October is International Walk to School Month!

This October, pupils, families, and schools around the world will be celebrating the simple joy of walking, cycling, scooting, and wheeling to school and your school is joining in! We’d love your family to be part of it.

🌍 What is Walk to School Month?

Walk to School Month is a global campaign that encourages pupils, parents, and staff to choose active travel throughout October. It began in the UK in the 1990s and now spans over 40 countries. Schools take part in fun activities, challenges, and themed days to celebrate movement and raise awareness about safer, greener travel.

🌟 Why walk, wheel, or scoot to school?

Choosing active travel instead of driving helps in so many ways:

• Boosts physical health: just 15 minutes of walking helps children meet their daily activity needs.
• Improves mental wellbeing: pupils arrive more focused, less stressed, and ready to learn.
• Builds independence: children gain road safety skills, time management, and confidence.
• Reduces traffic: fewer cars at the school gate means safer, calmer streets.
• Supports sustainability: active travel helps cut emissions and protect our local environment.

Even a short walk or scoot to the school gate makes a difference. Every step counts!

🚴 Active travel = more than just walking

Active travel includes cycling, scooting, and wheeling too. It’s about choosing movement over motors, whatever that looks like for your family. Many pupils use bikes or scooters as mobility aids, allowing them to travel further and more comfortably than they might on foot.

📣 How schools can get involved in International Walk to School Month

There are loads of fun ways to celebrate Walk to School Month:

• Run a classroom challenge to track active journeys.
• Host a themed day like “Walk & Wheel Wednesday.”
• Celebrate pupils who walk or wheel with certificates or shout-outs.
• Share safe routes and travel tips with families.
• Encourage walking groups or “walking buses” with adult volunteers.
• Promote the campaign in newsletters, assemblies, and on social media.

🚦 One less car, one more adventure

Let’s make October a month of movement. Whether it’s a short stroll, a scoot to the gate, or a full-on family walk, every journey helps build healthier habits, cleaner air, and stronger communities.

Thanks for supporting active travel and helping pupils start their day on the right foot!