St Austin's - Walk to School Challenge!

I had the absolute pleasure of visiting St. Austin's Catholic Primary School in Wakefield this morning, and I was truly inspired by the energy, enthusiasm, and commitment of the pupils, staff, and families.

The school has been taking part in the Living Streets 'WOW – the Walk to School Challenge', and the results have been nothing short of remarkable. This initiative encourages children to walk, wheel, or cycle to school, helping to build healthy habits, reduce traffic congestion, and improve air quality around schools.

Before the challenge began, 57% of pupils were driven all the way to school. Thanks to the dedication of the school community and the success of the WOW challenge, that number has now dropped dramatically to just 18%. That’s a 39 percentage point reduction in car journeys – a fantastic achievement!

More pupils are now choosing to walk, scoot, or cycle to school each day, reaping the physical and mental health benefits of an active start to their mornings. It’s also a great way to build independence, boost concentration in the classroom, and foster a stronger connection with their local environment.

This transformation is a testament to what can be achieved when a school community comes together with a shared goal. A huge well done to everyone at St. Austin’s – pupils, parents, teachers, and staff – for embracing the challenge and making such a positive change.

Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to champion active travel for a healthier, happier future!