STARS funding for Calderdale schools

Primary schools across Calderdale are being supported to make journeys to school healthier, safer, and more sustainable through the Modeshift STARS accreditation scheme.

The national programme helps schools develop and deliver travel plans that encourage pupils and families to choose active and sustainable travel options such as walking, wheeling, cycling, and public transport. By reducing car use around school gates, the initiative also helps tackle issues like congestion, illegal parking, poor air quality, and road safety concerns.

Thanks to funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Calderdale now has a dedicated STARS Project Officer working directly with local primary schools. Project officer Sophie has now been in post since October and has the following to say about the progress to date:

I am proud to have worked with primary schools across Calderdale this academic year, supporting them to choose healthier, more active travel options that fit naturally into their daily routines to create healthier, safer, and more sustainable communities. The response from the Calderdale schools so far has been encouraging with 10 already registered since October 2025.

I am looking forward to creating a bespoke offer for each school based on their need and embed sustainable travel habits deeply within the setting and wider school community. Through partnership with Calderdale Council and other active travel initiatives such as Living Streets we aim to make a transformative difference to the ways pupils' journey to school. By encouraging pupils and enhancing opportunities to walk, wheel, cycle and use public transport, we are helping pupils and families make healthier, more confident travel choices every day.”

Schools are already seeing the benefits. St Malachy’s Catholic Primary School joined the scheme in December, and their Headteacher had the following to say:

"St Malachy’s has found the Modeshift STARS programme and Sophie’s support incredibly valuable. She has helped us connect with the Council and clearly identify our objectives. The students are already engaging with the initiatives, and we’re particularly excited to see the impact of the upcoming Active Travel Inspectors session this month."

If you’re looking to develop a School Travel Plan or need support in evidencing your Climate Action Plan, register for STARS today. Register for STARS - Modeshift.

If you work in or with Calderdale schools, get in touch at sophie@modeshift.org.uk to explore how you may be supported.