Pupils welcomed Strider, the Living Streets Travel Tracker mascot, to mark the school’s outstanding success in the national WOW Walk to School Challenge. Since September, an impressive 92% of all journeys to school have been active, including walking, wheeling, cycling, scooting and park & stride. This places Seaburn Dene at the top of the regional leaderboard for active travel.

The school takes part in WOW, a pupil‑led initiative where children record how they travel to school each day using the interactive Travel Tracker. Pupils who choose active travel at least once a week for a month earn a collectable badge, helping to build healthy habits and reduce traffic at the school gates.

The national picture shows why this work matters. A generation ago, 70% of primary-aged children walked to school; today, that figure has fallen to less than half. WOW schools typically see walking rates rise by 23% and car journeys fall by 30%. At Seaburn Dene, only 8% of journeys recorded this year have been car trips all the way to the school gates – far below the national average of 43%.

Strider joined pupils for a celebration assembly before accompanying families on their walk home, recognising the school’s commitment to health, sustainability and community spirit.

Pupils shared why they enjoy taking part: Tilly (Year 5) said: “I like collecting the Travel Tracker badges because it is fun and I like seeing all the different designs.” Her younger sister Elsie (Reception) added: “I like Travel Tracker because I like telling people how I get to school and I like coming to school.”

Headteacher John Howe said: “Our children have really embraced the challenge. They understand that being active isn’t just good for their health – it helps our environment, reduces traffic and makes our school community safer. We’re incredibly proud of their enthusiasm and the example they’re setting for the whole city.”