Aurora Hedgeway School Earns National Recognition for Sustainable Travel Efforts
A specialist school in Pilning has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first educational institution in South Gloucestershire to receive national acclaim for its exceptional work in promoting sustainable travel. At a prestigious ceremony held in London, Aurora Hedgeway School was honored as the National SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) School of the Year for the 2025/26 period as part of the National Modeshift STARS Travel Awards.
What Are the Modeshift STARS Awards?
Modeshift STARS, which stands for Sustainable Travel Accreditation and Recognition for Schools, is a scheme supported by the Department for Transport. It celebrates organizations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to encouraging walking, wheeling, cycling, and the use of public transport for daily journeys. The program sets a high standard for best practices across various sectors, including education.
The Path to National Success
Hedgeway School secured its place in the national competition after first winning the titles of 'South Gloucestershire SEN School of the Year' and 'South West Regional SEN School of the Year' in November. This progression highlights the school's consistent dedication to sustainable travel initiatives.
About Aurora Hedgeway School
The school caters to 63 pupils, all of whom have a primary diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) along with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health profiles. Students come from a wide geographic area, including Bristol, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, Bath, North Somerset, Wiltshire, Newport, Monmouthshire, and Torfaen, making its achievements even more noteworthy.
Award Presentation and Attendees
School Principal Klaire Rowland was presented with the award by Lilian Greenwood MP, the UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Transport. The presentation took place during Modeshift's annual summit at the Royal Society in London. The event was attended by several Members of Parliament, including Thornbury and Yate MP Claire Young, Daisy Cooper MP, Rachel Hopkins MP, Jess Phillips MP, Graham Stuart MP, and Shockat Adam MP.
Categories and Recognition
Awards were distributed across seven categories: Business, Healthcare and Residential sites, Primary and Secondary schools, SEND schools, and Early Years establishments. In her speech, Lilian Greenwood MP praised the winners, stating, "These award winners are leading the way, showing what can be achieved when organizations take practical steps to support walking, wheeling and cycling in their communities."
Reactions from the School Community
Principal Klaire Rowland expressed that everyone at the school is still processing the honor of winning the award and being the first SEND school in South Gloucestershire to receive such recognition. She said, "The recognition has given the entire Hedgeway community a moment to reflect on the commitment, creativity, and hard work that have shaped our Active Travel initiatives over the past few years. These initiatives have made a meaningful contribution to safer, more sustainable travel for students and staff, and they play a key role in our ongoing journey toward becoming a Net Zero school by 2030."
Acknowledgments and Support
Klaire extended her gratitude to Catherine McCoy and Andy Macdonald from South Gloucestershire Council's road safety team for their invaluable support in developing the school's sustainable and inclusive travel programs. Their collaboration has been instrumental in achieving this national success.
Other Notable Winners
In addition to Aurora Hedgeway School, other category winners in the Modeshift STARS awards included Pinewood Studios, Derbyshire County Council, and London Luton Airport, showcasing a diverse range of organizations committed to sustainable travel practices.
