First ever Sustrans Gold School Mark awarded to Coychurch Primary

Coychurch Primary in Bridgend have won the first Sustrans Gold School Mark Award in Wales for their dedication to active travel.

Children at Coychurch Primary school celebrate receiving the Sustrans Gold School Mark award.

The Sustrans Gold School Mark is awarded to a school that has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to promoting active and sustainable travel over several years, which has led to significant and lasting organisational, cultural and behavioural changes.

Steve Brooks, Sustrans Cymru, who presented the award said:

“Coychurch Primary have gone above and beyond in making active travel an everyday part of school life. Being the first school to achieve the Sustrans Gold Award is a fantastic achievement, it truly shows a dedication to active travel.

“Walking, cycling or scooting to school should be the safest, easiest and most accessible option for all school children. Changing the way we travel to school is key to tacking air pollution and increasing activity levels amongst children.”

The school celebrated with a special assembly where a message was broadcast from Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas, congratulating the school on their achievement.

Deputy Transport Minister Lee Waters said:

“I want to congratulate the school and its pupils for achieving this gold award. It’s a great example of how schools can be proactive, challenge travel behaviours and change them for everyone’s benefit, whilst making it fun too.

“The Minister for Education and I have agreed that the
Welsh Government 21^st century school projects will have a stronger focus on how pupils get to school, emphasising active travel. Getting the school journey right is crucial and Coychurch Primary School has set a strong example of how things can be done.”

Melanie Treadwell, School Active Travel Champion and Eco Co-ordinator said:

“We are delighted that our efforts to promote Active Travel have been recognised by Sustrans Cymru. Becoming the first school in Wales to achieve the Gold School Mark Award is a fantastic accomplishment for our small school and the local community, who have played an instrumental part in our journey towards the Gold award.”