QE boys in Barnet - private minibuses?

[Secondarydilemma]

DS got a good score at his QE test (above cut off), and we are currently trying to look at pros and cons of different schools. When he did the test there was a minibus company handing out leaflets for private minibuses transporting boys from grouped areas if you were not on the school’s coach routes.
I didn’t take one as didn’t have an earthly he would do so well. Does anyone know who the company is? Thanks v much!

[New21]

I am afraid I don't know although I saw the minibus company you mentioned. I know there are school coaches and the information is on the school website. Have you had a look?

[Secondarydilemma]

Yes thanks I did - but the coach routes don’t go through our area (although irritatingly not far away!). I think the private company is entirely separate to school so wouldn’t be on their website. Not having any luck with googling!

[CaravaggioLover]

Whereabouts do you live OP?

[Secondarydilemma]

Aldenham area

[Secondarydilemma]

Could drive him to a stop in bushey but for the first year at least I’d prefer him to be able to go door to door - which is why it would be great to be able to find the name of the company!

[New21]

OP do you plan to pick your DS up after school? I may need to do that if DS stays for after school activities, I think there is only one coach which leaves at school finishing time. Am hoping that we can find someone to share lifts or taxi if necessary.

[Secondarydilemma]

I was rather hoping that he could get the minibus there and back. How are you planning on him getting there?

[User27aw]

I would ask the school. I know it is a private minibus but you would think the school would still have to know the name of the companies transporting their students into school.

[Secondarydilemma]

I have asked them but I think they are operating on a skeleton staff at the moment - fingers crossed they reply!

[CaravaggioLover]

Schools have no involvement with outside minibus operators. So many of these companies are badly run with drivers not DBS cleared etc. It's not the school's fault. OP your ds is better off making his own way to school.

[CaravaggioLover]

Aldenham isn't too far from high barnet surely?

[Secondarydilemma]

No, but it’s not the easiest journey and I work so he’d have to navigate it alone. For the first year I would prefer that not to be the case

[mellicauli]

Hearn's is the official QE Watford coach - 020 8954 5444
They might make a bit of a detour if it's not far so worth contacting them.
My son is now Y12. Many of his friends made complicated journey in Y7 in all directions. Rest assured, someone will be going your son's way. Have a look around the parents lists they send out and you'll find someone round your way. Also worth putting a note on 11+ Forum to try and find people.

We sorted out a liftshare still going 5 years later with another local family,

[Secondarydilemma]

Thank you @mellicauli, I will contact them. Can I ask if you have been happy with the school?

[mellicauli]

First couple of years were tough: it’s a big step up for the boys, high expectations, teenage hormones. But the teachers are fantastic and there are so many opportunities. The high quality of education they give leaves all the boys with so many choices for the future.

[RalaG]

@Secondarydilemma ; were you able to arrange a pvt minibus for your son to QE? I am in a similar situation as our area (NW11) is not on coach route and it is not a straightforward bus/Tube route for my son who will be joining in Sept.

[Anukab]

Hi,
I would like to check if the School coach covers the NW11 postcode and if so where can i get the map of the routes covered. We are planning our move for next year.