Two schools in Ealing have been recognised for their contribution to promoting active travel at the TfL STARS Top Schools Awards 2023. 

Brentside High School was crowned the overall winner for the Biggest Impact category at the awards from Transport for London which look to promote sustainable and active travel in London. 

As well as this win, Mayfield Primary School was a finalist for the Most Innovative category at the same awards show on Monday 22nd May. 

Councillor Deirdre Costigan, the council's deputy leader and cabinet member for climate action, said: "Huge congratulations to Brentside High School for winning and Mayfield Primary School for being a finalist.  

"It's wonderful to see schools in Ealing prioritising health, sustainability and safety by promoting active travel. 

"We would encourage other local schools to consider joining the STARS programme and contribute to reducing traffic congestion and air pollution, while also promoting road safety and physical activity for children and families.  

"If your school wants to lead the way in making our borough healthier and safer, get in touch with our travel team to find out more. 

"Many STARS schools have also got involved in our successful school street programme which is making it easier and safer for young people in Ealing to walk, cycle and scoot to school." 

Brentside had a series of initiatives to encourage active travel, such as: a step count competition, bikers' breakfast, the golden lock reward, and active participation in the Big Walk and Wheel challenge. 

These efforts saw active travel to and from school increase by 11% and the number of car journeys to school by car fell by 19%. 

Mayfield have made it an aim to make all children proficient in riding a bike or a scooter before moving to secondary school and they purchased a fleet of 60 scooters and helmets for use on school trips and they have also brought in a scooter track on the main playground. 

The school has been STARS accredited since 2016 and have also operated a school street since 2020. 

School business manager and travel champion Alex Evans said: "We want everyone to understand that good choices around travelling to and from school can result in happy and healthier people and a better environment for all."