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Original poster

How long is your DC's school commute?

84 replies

Schoolhelp23 · 20/07/2024 17:51

I'm central London and have a very academic child. Can't move, so weighing up how long a commute is reasonable (for the likes of HBS, St Michael's - if she gets in). So, how long is your child's school commute?

OP posts:
CouldNotStayAway · 20/07/2024 19:56

Takes about half an hour in car, would take a lot longer on bus (including school bus).

PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 20/07/2024 19:54

Ds2 and 3 walk to primary school and it takes about 4 mins
DS1 gets the bus to school and that takes about 20 mins

RosesAndHellebores · 20/07/2024 19:54

My dc had short commutes.

I had a rather long one: 15 minutes walk to the station, 20 minutes on the train, 15 minutes at the other end. I left at 7.50 and just made it for 8.45. It was a little longer on the way home as we finished school at 3.45 but the next train was 4.10, so a full hour to get home.

I don't recall it being a problem. It set me up for working life and a much better option than a closer but poorer school.

Towelmode · 20/07/2024 19:49

As a Londoner 45mins plus was really common. Many dc travel for faith schools, grammars and private.

JumpinJellyfish · 20/07/2024 19:44

Primary - 20 min walk or 7 min cycle. I wouldn’t go further than that - it’s really nice for the kids to be part of the school community and have local friends.

My DC1 is very bright and is catered for very well at his state primary.

Id consider a longer commute for secondary - probably up to 45 mins but would also depend on the type of journey (would avoid rush hour public transport, lots of changes).

Edited to say we are also London - zone 2/3 borders.

Zigzag99 · 20/07/2024 19:29

30 to 40 mins depending on how fast DS walks. He walks with a group of friends and sometimes they stop off at the park on the way back to hang out for a while.

mugboat · 20/07/2024 18:47

will be a 40 min walk

Malahide · 20/07/2024 17:53

DD’s commute was around 40 minutes. I usually drove her but she could also get the bus (10 minute walk from home, 20 minute journey and then another 10 minutes to school). We actually only lived about 15 mins away but morning traffic coming in to the city is awful here!

PuttingDownRoots · 20/07/2024 17:53

5 minute walk.
The catchment is 5 miles though... but children from those villages have buses! (Covers 6 villages and in between areas plus outlying farms)

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