Green Schools is Ireland’s leading environmental management and education programme for schools, supporting students and staff to take practical action on sustainability. Almost 200 schools across Leinster are returning from the Bank Holiday weekend with a renewed focus on how they travel to and from school. As part of the Green Schools programme, these schools are taking part in the Big Travel Challenge, which encourages school communities to choose active and sustainable travel options such as walking, cycling and scooting over a nine day period. Where active travel is not always possible, schools are also encouraged to run awareness campaigns to promote more sustainable choices.
The theme of this year’s challenge is Making Connections, which focuses on helping students connect with people, local places and nature along their journey to school. The initiative aims to show that travel is about more than simply getting from one place to another. Schools taking part in Leinster are part of a wider national effort, with 444 schools currently working towards a Green Flag for Travel. Since the travel theme was introduced, more than 2,800 schools across Ireland have earned the Green Flag in recognition of their commitment to sustainable travel.
Green Schools Travel Manager Allison Phillips said the Big Travel Challenge gives schools the chance to be part of a nationwide movement promoting active and sustainable travel. She said the introduction of gold, silver and bronze awards this year provides additional motivation for schools to be creative and make long term changes during the challenge period in February.
Now in its ninth year, the Big Travel Challenge continues to encourage students and staff to experience the benefits of travelling to school on foot, by bike, scooter, or by public transport. Active travel supports physical and mental well-being while also reducing traffic congestion and vehicle emissions in local communities.
Last year, Scoil Chríost Rí in Portlaoise was named Ireland’s Travel School of the Year after significantly increasing the number of pupils and staff walking to school. Schools participating in the 2026 challenge will compete for prizes to support their Green Schools travel initiatives. Green Schools encourages schools of all sizes and settings, including rural and urban schools, primary and secondary schools and education centres, to take part. Participating schools are asked to demonstrate a measurable increase in sustainable travel and raise awareness of travel related issues within their communities. Activities must be documented and promoted as part of the application process. The deadline for entries is 27 February.
