Odd socks and bling bikes win Chew Stoke national travel crown

A primary school in a Somerset village has scooted ahead of the pack to claim a prestigious national award for its commitment to sustainable travel – and it’s all thanks to some odd socks and a tour of the Chew Valley.

Chew Stoke Church School has been named National Primary School of the Year at the Modeshift STARS Summit, held on Thursday, March 27, at the Royal Society in London.

The school, located in Bath and North Somerset, stood out for making sustainable travel a key part of daily life. Activities such as ‘Odd Socks Walk to School Day’, ‘Bling Your Bike’ and dedicated bike and scooter weeks have helped get nearly all pupils walking, cycling or scooting to school. A strong focus on road safety includes student-designed signs, car-free zones and collaboration with local councils.

The award was part of the National STARS Travel Awards, which recognise organisations that are making a difference in promoting active travel across the UK. Chew Stoke’s efforts were praised for integrating sustainability into the curriculum and maintaining regular communication with families via newsletters and social media.

Simon Lightwood MP, the minister responsible for active travel, addressed more than 200 attendees at the summit. Posting on X, he said: “Brilliant to celebrate the work of so many outstanding individuals & organisations in promoting cycling, walking & wheeling at the National STARS Summit.
“We’re investing nearly £300m to build up to 300 miles of new cycle lanes and footways & deliver our #PlanforChange.”

Dan Norris, Member of Parliament for North East Somerset and Hanham, congratulated the school and said: “Being shortlisted for the National Primary School of the Year award was a great achievement. Winning it is amazing! The work of everyone involved in the various sustainable travel initiatives deserves the recognition it is now getting.”

Nick Butler, chief operating officer at Modeshift, added: “The Modeshift STARS National Travel Awards shine a spotlight on the fantastic achievements of schools, businesses and organisations across the country who are promoting active travel on a daily basis.
“Chew Stoke Church School should be proud of their success in being recognised as National Primary School of the Year, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them to deliver better transport options for more people.”

Modeshift is a not-for-profit organisation that champions active and sustainable travel through its STARS accreditation scheme, supporting schools, businesses and other organisations in improving travel behaviours nationwide.

For more information, visit modeshift.org.uk.