Walk to School Week is an annual UK-wide initiative organized by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking. The event aims to encourage children and their families to choose active travel options, such as walking, wheeling, cycling, or scooting, for their school journeys. This year, the campaign introduces an exciting new theme to engage young minds and promote healthier, more sustainable lifestyles.
What is Walk to School Week?
Walk to School Week is a five-day challenge designed to inspire primary school pupils to incorporate more physical activity into their daily routines. Each year, the event adopts a unique theme to make the experience engaging and educational. In 2026, the theme is “The Great Space Walk”, where pupils embark on an intergalactic adventure, meeting colourful space characters and learning about the benefits of active travel for themselves, their communities, and the planet.
When is Walk to School Week?
Walk to School Week takes place from Monday, May 19th to Friday, May 23rd, 2026. Schools across the UK are encouraged to participate during this week, aligning with National Walking Month.
How to Participate in Walk to School Week 2026
Participation in Walk to School Week 2026 can take various forms:
- Order Classroom Packs: Schools can purchase themed packs from Living Streets, which include activity diaries, stickers, wall charts, and end-of-week rewards to track and celebrate pupils’ active journeys.
- Engage in “The Great Space Walk” Activities: Utilize the provided materials to guide students through daily missions, meeting space-themed characters and learning about topics such as mental and physical health, sustainability, road safety, and community engagement.
- Promote Inclusivity: Encourage all forms of active travel, including walking, wheeling, cycling, and scooting. For those unable to participate directly, assign roles such as Walk to School Week ambassadors to involve them in organizing and promoting the event.
- Collaborate with Local Authorities: In regions like South Yorkshire, initiatives such as the Mayor’s Walk and Wheel Challenge offer additional resources and incentives for schools participating in Walk to School Week.
- Share the Experience: Use social media platforms to document and share your school’s participation, using official hashtags to connect with the wider community.
Why Walk to School Week Matters
Participating in Walk to School Week offers numerous benefits:
- Health and Wellbeing: Incorporating physical activity into daily routines improves children’s physical health and mental wellbeing, leading to better concentration and academic performance.
- Environmental Impact: Reducing car journeys decreases traffic congestion and air pollution around schools, contributing to a healthier environment.
- Community Engagement: Walking to school fosters a sense of community, allowing children and parents to connect with their local surroundings and neighbours.
- Road Safety Awareness: The initiative educates children about road safety, promoting responsible behaviours as pedestrians and cyclists.
Relevant Hashtags
#WalkToSchoolWeek #TheGreatSpaceWalk #ActiveTravel #LivingStreets #NationalWalkingMonth
Relevant Links
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