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Fifteen Isle of Wight Primary Schools have been given national accreditation for the way they are promoting 'green' travel.

Fourteen have been awarded 'Bronze Sustainable Awards' while one – Godshill – has become the first primary school in the UK outside of London to achieve a 'silver higher standard' award.

Modeshift – a national organisation that works with partners across the country to promote sustainable school travel – outlined how impressed it was with the standard of applications from the schools.

The accreditation scheme awards Bronze, Silver and Gold level awards to schools with travel plans which demonstrate an ongoing commitment to sustainable travel. Examples of sustainable travel include walking, cycling or using public transport to get to school.

High levels of pupil participation are required, as well as active participation in walking, cycling, Carshare, Park & Stride, public transport and road safety initiatives with all 15 schools achieving this.

Writing to Isle of Wight Council's Sustainable School Travel Officer Helen Stichbury following the applications being sent in, the Chair of Modeshift Emma Sheridan said 'Congratulations on the standard of applications and the fantastic work taking place on the Isle of Wight with regards to sustainable school travel – from the evidence folders it is clear that there are a wide variety of initiatives for schools to take part in and things which are out of the usual which is a welcome inspiration'.

Commenting on Godshill's Silver Award, Emma Sheridan said 'Godshill are the first school outside of London (where the scheme has been running for 3 years and there is significantly more funding available to schools for sustainable travel initiatives) to achieve Higher Standards and should be commended on this tremendous achievement'.

Isle of Wight Council Leader David Pugh said "I send my congratulations to all the schools who have achieved national accreditation for their travel plans, especially Godshill for their silver award.

"It is very comforting to know that schools on the Island are embracing sustainable and green travel, which helps the Isle of Wight's environment and reduces the number of cars on the road".

Each school will receive a plaque and certificate and will be invited to attend an awards ceremony on 12 November at Northwood Primary. Emma Sheridan, Chair of Modeshift, will be attending to present the schools with their awards.

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