The BetterPoints Schools Autumn Challenge aims to boost active travel among pupils by incentivising car-free journeys using the BetterPoints app.
The programme rewards families for walking, wheeling, scooting or cycling to school, with schools offering prizes, medals, and surprise missions to keep children motivated.
Rahana Begum, a parent who took part last year, said: “It’s changed how I think, feel and move.
“I’ve even started using my bike for fun.”
The 2024 challenge recorded 70,280 active travel activities across 49 participating infant and primary schools, involving 442 registered users, of which 397 actively logged journeys.
Collectively, pupils travelled 48,000 miles, burned 4.7 million calories—equivalent to 8,700 school dinners—and completed 684 hours of activity, the same as 114 school days.
Newham Council has relaunched the scheme for autumn 2025 with the aim of reaching even more pupils and families.
Nicole Napier, commissioning manager for leisure and sport at Newham Council, said: “Last year’s Schools Challenge was a huge success.
“Families, schools and staff were engaged, and the feedback has been fantastic.
“And we want this year’s to be even bigger.”
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The onboarding period is open now and runs until September 28, allowing families time to register and begin logging their journeys using codes provided by their schools.
The full challenge begins on September 29, and will feature live leaderboards, weekly prizes, and bonus point opportunities.
The challenge will run throughout the autumn 2025 term, and Newham Council is encouraging more schools, parents, and pupils to get involved.
