How important a factor should journey time be when deciding on secondary schools?
A secondary school we like very much is a long way away. Getting there would involve a 10 minute walk to a bus stop (v safe walk at all times of day) then a 40 minute ride on a frequent public bus, which drops off right outside the school.
Another school, which seems fine but not great, is just under 2 miles away - so could be reached on foot (up a v steep hill) or via a short bus journey. It's not a safe route to cycle alas.
None/very few of our twins' friends would go to either school (we live a long way from their primary) so they'd have to make new friends if they went to either of these two schools we're considering.