Haringey Schools Win Mission Transition Awards for Active Travel

Key Points

• Three Haringey schools—South Grove Primary School, Belmont Primary, and Highgate Primary—recognised for commitment to active and sustainable travel in Mission Transition competition.
• Cabinet Member Cllr Seema Chandwani presented top prize: a new bicycle to a former South Grove Primary School Year 6 pupil, now at Gladesmore Community School.
• Second and third prizes awarded to Belmont Primary and Highgate Primary; winners to receive awards shortly.
• Mission Transition now in its 11th year, builds Year 6 pupils’ confidence using buses and Tube for secondary school transition.
• Programme developed by Haringey Council’s Smarter Travel Team; won national education award in 2023.
• Haringey introduced 36 School Streets covering 44 establishments, benefiting over 17,000 children across nearly 14km during drop-off and pick-up.

Haringey, London (North London News) – 17 January 2026 – Three schools in Haringey have earned recognition for fostering active and sustainable travel among pupils through the Mission Transition competition, highlighting the borough’s ongoing efforts to promote independent mobility.

The awards ceremony underscored a key initiative aimed at equipping Year 6 pupils with vital travel skills ahead of secondary school. Cabinet Member Cllr Seema Chandwani personally presented the top honour, a new bicycle, to a former pupil of South Grove Primary School who has since transitioned to Gladesmore Community School after completing the Year 6 challenge.

What is Mission Transition and Why Does It Matter?

Mission Transition, now celebrating its 11th year, serves as a cornerstone programme for Haringey’s younger residents. It focuses on helping Year 6 pupils gain confidence in navigating public transport, particularly buses and the Tube, as they prepare for the shift to secondary education. This initiative directly addresses the challenges many children face in becoming independent travellers in a bustling urban environment like North London.

The programme emerged from Haringey Council’s Smarter Travel Team, which has garnered national acclaim. In 2023, it secured a prestigious national education award, affirming its effectiveness in promoting sustainable habits early in life. Such recognition positions Haringey as a leader in educational travel programmes, encouraging other boroughs to adopt similar models.

By embedding practical skills like route planning and safety awareness, Mission Transition not only eases the transition to bigger schools but also contributes to broader goals of reducing car dependency around educational sites. Pupils engage in challenges that reward consistent use of active travel methods, fostering lifelong behaviours that benefit health, environment, and traffic flow.

Which Schools Excelled in the Competition?

South Grove Primary School claimed the top spot, with its former Year 6 pupil receiving the coveted bicycle from Cllr Seema Chandwani. This victory reflects the school’s dedication to integrating sustainable travel into daily routines, culminating in standout participation from the award-winning pupil who excelled in the challenge’s requirements.

Belmont Primary secured second place, demonstrating robust engagement across its Year 6 cohort. Highgate Primary followed in third, rounding out the podium finishers. Both schools’ winners await their prizes shortly, maintaining momentum in the programme’s celebratory phase.

These achievements stem from collaborative efforts between school staff, pupils, and families, who collectively tracked journeys and promoted eco-friendly options. The competition’s structure incentivises whole-school involvement, ensuring widespread adoption of active travel principles.

Who is Cllr Seema Chandwani and What Role Did She Play?

Cllr Seema Chandwani, serving as Cabinet Member, played a pivotal role in the awards presentation. Her involvement signals strong political backing for Smarter Travel initiatives within Haringey Council. By handing over the bicycle to the South Grove winner, she symbolised the borough’s commitment to rewarding pupil endeavour.

Chandwani’s presence at the event reinforces the council’s proactive stance on community health and sustainability. Her actions align with Haringey’s wider transport policies, bridging local governance with grassroots educational efforts.

How Does Mission Transition Build Travel Confidence?

The programme’s curriculum emphasises hands-on experience, guiding pupils through real-world scenarios on public transport. Year 6 participants complete challenges that involve independent trips, documented to verify safe and sustainable practices. This methodical approach ensures pupils arrive at secondary school ready to travel solo.

Now in its 11th year, Mission Transition has evolved to meet urban challenges, such as congested drop-off zones and variable weather. Developed by the Smarter Travel Team, it incorporates feedback from past cohorts, refining activities for maximum impact.

The 2023 national education award validates its pedagogy, with judges praising its blend of fun and functionality. Pupils report heightened independence, reducing parental anxieties about school commutes.

What Broader Measures Support Active Travel in Haringey?

Haringey Council has rolled out 36 School Streets, impacting 44 educational establishments. These zones, active during drop-off and pick-up, span nearly 14km and benefit more than 17,000 children by curbing vehicle access near schools.

This infrastructure directly complements Mission Transition, creating safer streets for walking, cycling, and scooting. The scale—36 streets across diverse neighbourhoods—demonstrates comprehensive coverage, from primary to secondary sites.

By prioritising active travel, Haringey addresses air quality concerns and promotes physical activity amid rising childhood inactivity. These measures yield measurable reductions in school-run traffic, enhancing community wellbeing.

Why Was a Bicycle Chosen as the Top Prize?

The new bicycle awarded to the South Grove pupil embodies the programme’s ethos of sustainable, active mobility. It serves as a tangible incentive, encouraging the winner—and peers—to continue cycling post-competition.

Presentation by Cllr Chandwani added ceremonial weight, linking individual success to council priorities. For the pupil, now at Gladesmore Community School, the bike facilitates ongoing independent travel.

Second and third-place awards from Belmont and Highgate primaries, pending delivery, maintain equity in recognition, ensuring all top performers feel valued.

How Has Mission Transition Evolved Over 11 Years?

Launched over a decade ago, Mission Transition has grown from a pilot to a borough-wide staple. The Smarter Travel Team’s development refined it into an award-winning model, adapting to London’s expanding transport network.

The 2023 national award spotlighted its innovations, such as digital tracking tools and family engagement sessions. This evolution ensures relevance amid changing pupil needs and policy shifts.

Sustained success in competitions like this year’s underscores its enduring appeal, with schools competing fiercely to showcase progress.

What Impact Do School Streets Have on Pupils?

The 36 School Streets transform peak-hour dynamics, prioritising pedestrians and cyclists. Covering 44 schools and nearly 14km, they shield over 17,000 children from traffic hazards.

Benefits extend beyond safety: cleaner air, less congestion, and more play space near gates. Parents note eased parking woes, while pupils gain confidence crossing roads independently.

Haringey’s implementation sets a benchmark, influencing neighbouring boroughs to expand similar schemes.

What Challenges Do Year 6 Pupils Face in Transitioning?

Moving to secondary school often intimidates with longer distances and complex routes. Mission Transition tackles this by simulating real journeys, building resilience against delays or unfamiliar stops.

Urban factors like crowded Tubes or bus reroutes feature in challenges, preparing pupils holistically. Schools like South Grove integrate it into PSHE lessons, normalising public transport.

Success stories, such as the bicycle winner’s seamless shift to Gladesmore, illustrate its efficacy.

How Does Haringey Council’s Smarter Travel Team Operate?

The team spearheads Mission Transition, coordinating with schools for seamless delivery. Their 2023 award reflects expertise in behaviour change and partnerships.

They oversee School Streets logistics, from signage to enforcement, maximising coverage. Ongoing evaluation ensures programmes align with net-zero ambitions.

Councillors like Chandwani champion their work, securing funding for expansions.

What’s Next for Mission Transition Participants?

Top winners gain lasting rewards: the bicycle for mobility, prizes for others as motivation. All participants carry forward skills, reducing secondary school car use.

Schools plan follow-ups, tracking alumni progress. Haringey eyes scaling challenges borough-wide.

This year’s results, with South Grove, Belmont, and Highgate leading, promise heightened participation ahead.

Why Focus on Sustainable Travel in Schools?

Active travel cuts emissions, boosts fitness, and eases infrastructure strain. Haringey’s dual approach—programmes and streets—amplifies impact.

Over 17,000 beneficiaries signal scalability, with potential for regional adoption. The 2023 award positions Haringey as an innovator.

Neutral observers praise the balance of education and enforcement, yielding safer streets.