Meet Coldharbour C of E Primary School: Winners of the 2025 School of the Year Award

This award recognises a school who has embraced and encouraged Bikeability cycle training. They show commitment to ensuring every child can access Bikeability. Beyond Bikeability, the winning school has embedded cycling into their ethos. They will be able to show the impact of this in their school community. 

At Cold Harbour C of E Primary School in Milton Keynes, cycling isn’t just an activity – it’s part of everyday school life. 

At Cold Harbour, cycling begins early. Children are introduced to balance bikes in Reception, with dedicated spaces and regular sessions to help them build coordination, confidence and independence. As they move through the school, those skills are developed further – progressing onto pedal bikes and preparing for Bikeability training in Years 5 and 6. 

This long-term approach ensures no child is left behind, with additional support available for those who need it, including targeted sessions for non-riders and pupils who join the school later on. 

A key part of Cold Harbour’s success is its commitment to inclusion. The school provides loan cycles for pupils who don’t have access to their own, ensuring everyone can take part – no matter their background or circumstances. 

Another aspect that truly sets the school apart is how cycling is woven into daily life. As well as cycling lessons, the school provides a range of initiatives including termly Big Bike Breakfasts, community rides to local spaces, and safe storage and expanded cycle facilities to support growing participation. 

The positive impacts of this approach can be seen every day – especially at the school gates. Instead of vehicle congestion, there are now rows of cycles, with pupils and their families often actively choosing to cycle to school together. The school has noted a range of positive effects on the community, including increased confidence for pupils, improved fitness and wellbeing, and safer journeys to school.  

For Cold Harbour, cycling is about much more than learning to ride. It’s about giving children the tools they need to be active, independent and confident – not just now, but for the future. 

Nominations for this year’s Celebration of Bikeability Awards are now closed, but it’s not over yet! Head to our Facebook page to cast your vote for the 2026 People’s Champion Award.  

This special award collates all the inspirational stories of our shortlisted nominees and shares them with the world in a social media public vote.