Fund for Schools - Guernsey winners announced

3 schools in Guernsey win Better Journeys Project funds to bring their active travel plans to life.

Better Journeys Project launched the “Fund for Schools” in November 2025 in both Guernsey & Jersey. The charity has launched the initiative to help schools put in infrastructure or projects that support and encourage alternative travel options to free them from debilitating traffic.

7 schools applied for the £3,000 fund in Guernsey, with the judges choosing to split the money between 3 projects from Vauvert, the Sixth Form Centre and Ladies College following careful consideration.

• Vauvert school will be putting in 3 scooter racks.

  
  

• The Sixth Form Centre will be getting £1500 towards their ambitious and well-planned bike loan scheme and drying room.

  
  

• Ladies College will be getting a contribution towards their new bike sheds that have been designed by the year 12 girls.

  
  

Mark Smith, Director of the Better Journeys Project who led the judging panel in Guernsey said; “We were delighted by the quality and number of entries we received, but we can’t fund all of them! After reviewing the entries, we chose the 3 we felt would have the highest likelihood of success and the most potential for creating meaningful change on school runs.”

Amy Woollaston of the Health Improvement Commission who provided some of the financial support to the fund said, “This is such a brilliant, community-driven initiative that will make a real difference to how children get to and from school in Guernsey. Every application was thoughtfully and clearly presented. Although not all projects could be funded this time, I’m committed to supporting those education settings to develop their active travel ideas going forward”.

It’s not all bad news for those who weren’t successful either. Their applications have been shared with States Traffic and Highway Services too, and it looks likely that some will be covered by the states’ budget under the Integrated on-island Transport Strategy.

Judges were impressed with the submissions which clearly showed that the schools had already invested time in understanding the levers and barriers around uptake of alternative transport methods.

The Better Journeys Project Fund for Schools is made possible by the support of their 2025 Sponsor Appleby Global, £1500 from The Health Improvement Commission and the continued support of The Tom Dorey Eco-Legacy and (in Guernsey only).

The charity plan to run another fund round in November this year.

Why is how we get to school important?

With rising concerns about climate change, childhood obesity and mental health it’s crucial to provide sustainable and effective transport options for students. The installation of infrastructure such as cycle parking, cycle access routes, walking routes, lockers, marketing campaigns etc at schools encourages more children to cycle or walk, which can lead to cleaner air, reduced traffic congestion, safer commute for all and healthier lifestyles. Flexible facilities gives students independence and teaches them valuable skills.

Additionally, the fund addresses a common challenge faced by schools’ limited budgets for active travel infrastructure. By providing financial assistance and expert advice, we hope to help schools develop different travel options without facing the full financial burden.