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Original poster

How far is too far to travel to secondary school?

29 replies

wineoclocktimeyet · 21/10/2012 21:18

Sorry to put in here but we need to decide soon.

DS aced the 11+ and so can now go to schools for which we are outside the normal catchment.

We've seen a school we love BUT it will be nearly an hours travelling each way with a 45 minute bus ride (just one bus, he wont need to change). The school day finishes at 3.30 and my concern is that if he goes to an after-school club, he wouldnt be home till 5.30ish and then there's homework etc

The other choice, is a 40 minute journey at a school that finishes at 3pm, so even with an after-school activity, he would be home by 4.50(ish).

We do like both schools, No1 has better academic results and if it was closer, there would be no question.

Does anyone else's DC have a similar journey and is it too much/long?
I keep changing my mind and any comments would be gratefully received.

OP posts:
OwedToAutumn · 21/10/2012 21:50

Government guidelines state that it is acceptable for an 11yo to travel 75mins to school.

Nuttyprofessor · 21/10/2012 21:31

My DS travels for 1 hr, it has been harder than I thought it would be as it means getting up at 6.15. He only does clubs at lunch time. He only started in September so I am sure it will get easier. I would go for the school you like best.

Sparklingbrook · 21/10/2012 21:29

Please pick the school you think your DS will be happiest at. DS1 is at a school 12 miles away. I drive 6 miles to the bus stop and the school bus does the rest.

This isn't the first school he went to, we had to move him from the one half a mile away, but now he is so happy there the journey thing is worth it.

Sometimes he does some homework on the coach on the way home.

Good luck.

user12785 · 21/10/2012 21:24

DH and I both had bus rides of just under an hour from age 11 to 18. I don't remember it being an issue. Most of my friends were in a similar position too, we just got on with it! I would go with the school you and your ds like the best.