How Does Unicorn School approach sustainable travel?
Our school ethos promotes a healthy lifestyle and environmental responsibility. We encourage all children to walk, scoot or cycle to school, but recognise that this is not always possible for every family.
We have had a School Travel Plan since 2008 and were thrilled to be awarded Gold in 2017, which we have retained ever since, a great endorsement of our commitment to sustainable travel.
What is the GOLD STARS accreditation?
Holding Gold STARS (Sustainable Travel: Active, Responsible, Safe) accreditation, awarded by Transport for London, means Unicorn is recognised as one of London’s leading schools for sustainable travel. It reflects a genuine, year-round commitment from pupils, staff and families alike. You can read more about our wider ethos and aims and how they shape school life at Unicorn.
Our 2022 Gold accreditation is valid until 2025.
What active travel initiatives does the school run?
Throughout the year, we organise a number of initiatives to promote active travel to school, including Walk to School Week, cycle training for Year 6, safer walking training for Year 3, scooter training for Year 2, using public transport for school trips whenever possible, and encouraging all pupils to explore how they could travel to school without a car.
These initiatives are embedded into the school year rather than treated as one-off events. Walk to School Week is a whole-school celebration that encourages families to give active travel a try. Cycle training for Year 6, safer walking training for Year 3 and scooter training for Year 2 give children the skills and confidence to travel more independently as they grow older. Using public transport for school trips models the same sustainable choices we encourage children to make for their daily journeys.
What if active travel isn’t possible for our family?
We recognise that active travel is not always possible for every family. Our aim is to make it easier and more appealing for those who can, while never making those who cannot feel excluded. If you’d like to find out more, please get in touch or come along for a private tour or to one of our Open Mornings.
