Getting to School

Walking to school

Walking is a great way to get to school – it’s healthy, free and doesn’t create pollution. It also reduces traffic congestion during the ‘school run’.

Walking to school also gives our students independence. Once they know their route and can cross roads safely, they can walk by themselves or with friends.

Cycling to school

Cycling is another great way to get to school. However, young people aged between 11 and 15 are more likely to come to harm on the roads than any other group, so they need to be aware of the dangers.

If your child cycles to school, make sure their bike is in good working order, and that they wear a helmet and reflective jacket. Work out the best route, with the least traffic.

We have a secure bike shed in the rear yard of the school that is locked at 8.45am each morning and unlocked 5 minutes before the end of the school day.

Driving to school

If walking or cycling aren’t possible, there are several ways of getting to school by road:

public transport
Car-sharing (when safe to do so again)
family car

Driving your child to school with empty seats in your car is the least environmentally-friendly way to get them to school. However, it’s still the way many kids get to school, especially while they’re at primary. If this is your situation, it’s worth taking some time to see if you could organise it any other way, at least on some days.

Your child may be eligible for free school transport, for example if they have special educational needs or disabilities. To find out more, it’s best to check with your local authority. The website www.direct.gov.uk is also very informative.

Public Transport

The following services run close by – more details can be found at www.tfgm.com:

Stagecoach service

15 – Flixton, Davyhulme, Urmston, Firswood, Moss Side, Manchester

Go Goodwins service

79 – Swinton, Swinton Park, Irlams o’ th’ Height, Brindle Heath, Pendleton, Ordsall,

Salford Quays Stagecoach service

253 – Partington, Carrington, Flixton,

Urmston Stagecoach service

255 – Partington, Carrington, Flixton, Urmston, Hulme,

Manchester Stagecoach service

256 – Flixton, Davyhulme, Lostock, Hulme,

Manchester Arriva service

263 – Altrincham, Broadheath, Woodheys, Sale, Hulme,

Metrolink – Manchester to Altrincham line

1/3rd off 16-25 Railcard – https://www.thetrainline.com/trains/great-britain/railcards/16-25-railcard

Travel tips for secondary pupils

Practise your child’s journey with them before they start secondary school.
Choose busy times, not in the middle of the day.
Make sure your child is aware of potential danger points– looking carefully before crossing busy roads, taking extra care at bus stops and getting on and off trains and trams.
Make sure your child keeps their possessions safe, e.g. mobile phones, keys and money.
Talk with your child about what they would do if something unexpected happened, e.g. if there was a security alert on their train and passengers were asked to leave the train.

Talk with your child about what they should do if they felt threatened, e.g. if they felt an adult was following them or behaving oddly on public transport.