Gallery: Doncaster schools recognised for encouraging walking, wheeling and cycling at awards ceremony
Doncaster Schools Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Awards 2026 shone a spotlight on those who have been promoting physically active ways of making the journey to and from school
Primary schools from across Doncaster recently came together for a special ceremony, which celebrated those who have gone above and beyond to embrace walking, wheeling and cycling.
As its name suggests, the Doncaster Schools Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Awards 2026 shone a spotlight on those who have been promoting physically active ways of making the journey to and from school, as an alternative to driving.
Organised by City of Doncaster Council, the event took place at Cast theatre and saw pupils and teaching staff from twelve local schools attending.
There were fourteen prizes up for grabs here, with various categories recognising the achievements of schools, students and leaders.
Among others, awards were bestowed to the school that has made the biggest impact on reducing car use during the school run, to the leaders who have taken proactive steps to improve the safety of journeys to and from their school, to a standout campaign promoting active travel in the community, and to enthusiastic young people who have done their bit to encourage others to get involved in walking, wheeling, and cycling.
The ceremony also saw two schools celebrated for their performance in the national “Big Walk and Wheel” Competition, which challenged schools to make journeys to and from school more fun and active.
Both winners here celebrated their success with awards for highest ranked medium and large schools across Doncaster.
The Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Awards were hosted by performance group Histrionics, with Rachel Leslie, Executive Director of Public Health at City of Doncaster Council, and Ed Clancy, Active Travel Commissioner at the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, also guest speaking. Meanwhile, Councillor James Church, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Public Health and Traded Services, announced the winners.
Speaking about the event, Councillor Church said: “It was a pleasure to celebrate the achievements of these local schools and young people. At the ceremony, we heard about many different positive and exciting steps that are being taken to promote physically active travel locally, including new ‘Park and Stride’ programmes, walking buses and campaigns that encourage motorists to ‘park smart’ during the school run.
“Not only do these fantastic projects help to improve safety and reduce congestion around schools at busy times, but they also motivate parents and young people to get active, be healthier and feel better. I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the winners and nominees for their dedication and hope that they will continue to set such a positive example for our communities.”
The full list of nominees and winners for the 2026 Doncaster Schools Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Awards is as follows:
Sustainable Travel and Climate Action AwardPresented to the school that has best embedded walking, wheeling, and cycling in its wider approach to sustainability.
- Woodfield Primary School (Winner)
- Sunnyfields Primary School
- Lakeside Primary Academy
Modeshift Impact AwardPresented to the school that has had the biggest impact on reducing car use during the school run.
- Kirkby Avenue Primary School (Winner)
- Kirk Sandall Infants School
Safe Travel AwardPresented to the school which has mot effectively increased children’s safety on the school run and beyond.
- Kirk Sandall Infant School (Winner)
- Plover Primary School
- Kirkby Avenue Primary School
- Castle Hills Primary Academy
Best Active Travel CampaignPresented to the school that has led the most impactful and engaging campaign related to walking, wheeling and cycling.
- Plover Primary School (Winner)
- Kirkby Avenue Primary School
Bikeability AwardPresented to the school that has shown great commitment and enthusiasm for cycling through their participation in the Bikeability scheme.
- Lakeside Primary Academy (Winner)
- Plover Primary School
- Castle Hills Primary Academy
Best NewcomerPresented to the school that has newly engaged in walking, wheeling, and cycling schemes.
- Tranmoor Primary School (Winner)
- Plover Primary School
- Southfield Primary School
Most Active SchoolPresented to the school that has most effectively encouraged pupils to choose an active and healthy journey to school.
- Sunnyfields Primary School (Winner)
- Kirkby Avenue Primary School
- Southfield Primary School
- Lakeside Primary Academy
Pedal Power AwardPresented to the schools that came out on top of the leaderboards for the ‘Big Walk and Wheel competition’.
- Castle Hills Primary Academy (Winner for Large Primary School).
- Barnburgh Primary Academy (Winner for Medium Primary School)
Champion of Champions AwardPresented to a member of school staff who has gone above and beyond to promote walking, wheeling, and cycling.
- Tegan Huddart from Tranmoor Primary (Winner)
Student Ambassador AwardPresented to the students who have shown great enthusiasm for and commitment to inspiring others to walk, cycle and scoot to school.
- Katie Wilcocks, Balby Central Primary School (Winner)
- Abbie Mickevicius, Southfield Primary School (Winner)
- Lincoln Melrose, Edlington Victoria Academy (Winner)
School of the YearPresented to the school that has shown the highest level of commitment and passion towards walking, wheeling, and cycling in 2026.
- Southfield Primary School (Winner)