Pupils from secondary schools across Oxfordshire have received recognition for their innovative approaches to promoting greener commutes to and from school.

The young people showcased their proposals during a presentation held at County Hall in Oxford, which formed part of Oxfordshire County Council’s travel champions initiative.

Groups representing Fitzharrys School in Abingdon and The Warriner School in Banbury were each awarded £200 to help develop their respective campaigns.

Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member responsible for transport management, commented that it was impressive to hear the creative concepts and new viewpoints the groups presented regarding how their schools could connect with their local areas and promote more environmentally friendly transportation options.

He added that he anticipated watching their concepts develop as they progressed with their planning.

The Warriner School group put forward a proposal centred on courteous commuting and vehicle pooling – a particularly fitting theme for their countryside setting where numerous students rely on buses or private cars for their journeys.

Fitzharrys School learners concentrated on boosting the number of pupils who walk to school, emphasising the advantages of greater exercise and cleaner air.

Both groups were declared joint victors by a judging panel composed of councillors Andrew Gant and Emily Kerr, alongside Ellie Clarke-Jacques from Active Oxfordshire.

The young people characterised presenting in the council chamber as both motivating and instructive.

They described the occasion as an enjoyable experience they felt privileged and proud to be part of.

After their presentations, the students will attend a marketing workshop prior to implementing, reviewing, and integrating their campaigns into their schools’ comprehensive travel strategies.