At Brentford School for Girls healthy living and the environment are key subjects that they want their students develop an understanding of. These key messages are delivered in several different ways from PE lessons, science topics, geography, and other curriculum subjects such as PSCHE. In addition, the school runs extracurricular clubs that promote sports and run an Eco Club.

Brentford School for Girls is also committed to the health and wellbeing of its staff and runs several initiatives for staff to participate in. The school is a member of the Cycle to Work Scheme, a fantastic opportunity to save money on the purchase of a bike and accessories and to enjoy the freedom and all the added health benefits of cycling to work! Staff save money by paying for the bike and/or accessories directly from their gross salary (before tax), hence, the amount of tax and national insurance they pay is less. The scheme started in 2022 and has proved so popular that they are looking at adding another bike shelter!

As a result of the scheme, several staff members have taken to cycling to work and, as a result, serves as a visual stimulus for students to do the same. Over ten members of staff now regularly cycle to work ranging from support staff to teachers to the senior leadership team; and their numbers are growing!

Staff members who now cycle to work range from new to experienced cyclists, those who cycle from local areas to all the way to Surrey! The health benefits from cycling are numerous and staff have commented on how this has helped bring in daily exercise to their normal day.

Paul May, Assistant Head at the school, is one who has newly adopted cycling as part of his week. He commented: “When the school offered the cycle to work scheme it made me evaluate how I travel to work. I live quite a distance from the school and, with added traffic on the road and time travelling taking longer and longer, cycling offered an alternative to driving. I have been surprised with how much I have enjoyed the daily route and I have noticed that I am getting fitter as a result.”

Myra Mughal, Office Manager at the school, started cycling for different reasons. “It was the summer of 2021 and I decided to take to two wheels!! The reason for this was mainly due to Covid and the uncertainty of lockdowns forever on the horizon. I wanted to ensure that my fitness levels were maintained due to the gym closures, as well as being able to be outside exercising in the fresh air and adhering to the ever-changing Covid rules! I am now commuting to work every day which is a 14 mile round trip – one less car on the road of which I am extremely proud about. I have completed the British Cycling Leadership Award Level 1 and am a qualified Road Club Ride Leader for Cycle Sisters Hounslow.”

Myra has also completed challenges such as London to Amsterdam, London to Paris and the 100-mile London to Brighton events.

Christelle Charbonnier, Head of MFL at the school, is a more experienced cyclist. “I have always been a cyclist. I love the freedom cycling gives me (plus, there is no better feeling than overtaking cars stuck in traffic!). I always cycle, wherever I go and whenever I can: less pollution for the planet, more exercise for me! Cycling is a really important part of who I am and I could never be without a bike!”

The number of staff now cycling to school has not been unnoticed by students. One regular cyclist in Year 7 commented: “Cycling to school is a good way to keep active and it is a clean and healthier mode of transport. Seeing teachers cycle in is amazing as I know I am not the only one and that we are all taking a greener approach to transport. Although cycling might seem tiring or dangerous, after having practice you get into a habit and soon, you’ll no longer find cycling daunting or exhausting.”

The Cycle to Work Scheme is just one benefit that the school offers to their staff. The school also provides a health cash plan for staff, which gives access to an online GP service, plus money back on everyday health treatments such as eye tests, dental treatment, physiotherapy and much more! Plus, staff have access to discounts, counselling services and advice and guidance on ways to improve health and wellbeing.

Join the team at Brentford School for Girls and explore current vacancies at https://www.brentford.hounslow.sch.uk