Lawley Village Primary Academy & Nursery is celebrating a major active travel milestone after becoming the first school in Telford and Wrekin to achieve Modeshift STARS accreditation. 

The national Modeshift STARS scheme recognises schools that are making a positive difference to the way pupils, families and staff travel to and from school. For Lawley Village, the accreditation reflects the school community’s growing commitment to safer, healthier and more sustainable everyday journeys. 

Through the scheme, the school has already seen a real impact. Around 200 pupils are now walking to school, while 86 out of 90 pupils have learnt to ride or completed Level 1 Bikeability training. A further 40 pupils have achieved Level 2 Bikeability, helping them build confidence, independence and road safety awareness. 

The school has also supported families through the Re-Wheeled scheme, which has seen seven bicycles and three scooters donated to children. The scheme helps remove barriers for pupils who may not otherwise have access to a bike or scooter, making active travel more achievable for more families. 

For Lawley Village Primary Academy & Nursery, the accreditation is not just about recognition. It marks an important step in the school’s ongoing work to encourage pupils to make healthy choices, develop lifelong skills and understand the environmental impact of everyday travel. 

Elaine Francis, Head of Sustainability at REAch2 Academy Trust said:

“According to Count your Carbon, 21% of a school’s carbon footprint comes from children commuting to and from school.  The work taking place at Lawley Village is ensuring this is significantly reduce for their school.

The Modeshift Stars accreditation is another fantastic example of the passion and commitment the school has shown in delivering the REAch2 Sustainability Strategy and making positive and lasting changes.  They are leading the way in Telford and Wreaking as well as promoting positive change across REAch2’s 65 schools.”

The school has worked closely with Telford and Wrekin Council’s Active Travel and Road Safety Education Team, taking part in activities that support safer journeys and encourage small, positive changes in how families travel to school. 

Becoming the first STARS accredited school in Telford and Wrekin is a proud achievement for Lawley Village Primary Academy & Nursery, but the school sees this as just the beginning. 

Looking ahead, the school hopes to build on this progress by continuing to promote walking, wheeling and cycling wherever possible. The aim is to make active travel part of everyday school life, supporting pupils’ wellbeing, reducing congestion around the school site and helping families make more sustainable choices. 

This achievement reflects the commitment of pupils, families, staff and partners who have worked together to make active travel a positive part of the school’s culture. 

We are extremely proud of Lawley Village Primary Academy & Nursery, as they lead the way locally and inspire even more schools across Telford and Wrekin to begin their own active travel journey.