The Keys Steps Up for the Active Wellbeing Challenge

This September, The Keys Academy Trust (TKAT) staff took on the Active Wellbeing Autumn European Adventure Challenge 2025, a national initiative that saw public sector workers challenged to “run, walk, cycle and swim across Europe” in just two weeks.

We are delighted to share that 10 TKAT teams entered, bringing together 81 staff members from across several of our schools and our Central Team. Collectively, our teams walked a staggering 10,115km – the equivalent of walking from London to Beijing!

A huge congratulations goes to Team Polehampton, who were crowned TKAT Champions after clocking up an impressive 1,633km. Their efforts placed them 22nd overall out of 1,487 teams from across the public sector – an outstanding achievement.

The challenge was about far more than competition. Sarah Hilling, Head of School, at St Nicholas CE Primary School, summed it up perfectly:

“We have all really enjoyed the challenge with each of us at least doubling (and some!) our daily step count! It has made us think more about what we do in, out and after school for better wellbeing and keeping moving. We have had some group walks & talks, in-house daily challenges and a lot of fun along the way. We can now be found on Stridekick”. 

A special thank you goes to St Cecilia’s C of E Primary School who took part last year and encouraged us all to join them this year!

From lunchtime walks to staffroom step-count competitions, The Keys' schools showed real creativity in finding ways to keep moving. The shared experience not only boosted physical activity but also strengthened connections within and across teams.

Well done to everyone who took part together we have shown how small daily actions can add up to big steps forward for wellbeing.

Here’s to the next challenge, whatever that may entail.