School Commute - Is it worth it?

[Journeytolight]

My DD1 will start secondary in September. For DD2's sake we will stay where we are, but are willing to move if commute is too long. As you lovely mums (and dads?) are amazing at giving reasonable opinions, I want to know yours.
Is a 1 hr 5mins commute worth it or should we move? The commute may take up to 10-12 mins more so bear that in mind. We are trying to figure out what to do

So, is the commute worth it?

[Banter]

You've mentioned the tube, so you must live in London. You should be able to borrow bikes and helmets free as well. Here is the scheme run by the borough near my office www.islington.gov.uk/services/parking-roads/roadsafety/training/Pages/Courses.aspx . Even if you move closer to the school, if I were in your shoes, I'd be getting my daughter training now whilst she's keen. Cycling (and swimming) are life skills that all children need IMO.

[ChazsBrilliantAttitude]

Is there somewhere you could move that wouldn't be too far from where you are now but would improve DD1's commute? e.g. near a different tube line

[Dozer]

If you move, then DD2 does not get into the (superselective?) grammar, what would be your plan for her? If you could afford to move into catchment for a better non-selective secondary than you have where you currently live (bearing in mind the high housing premium in and around London around these schools), then it might be a good option. If not, better to stay put, since it would be unfair to DD2 to move.

[Journeytolight]

I have bought DD1 a new bike and am signing her up to go to council cycling classes during the summer holidays. For now, I take her to the local park so she can cycle until then. Thanks everyone for your help. Now, both DDs are happy and so am I!

[Elibean]

My SIL, whose eldest is in Y7, says much the same as Martorana. Basically that she's very, very glad her dd only has a 20-30 door to door journey, as she's constantly having to pitch up for extras in the evening/after school.

We were considering a school about an hour away for dd1 (currently in Y5) as she fell in love with the place on a visit...its one bus, almost door to door, but a circuitous route We've decided its probably not worth it, in our case. I want her to have local friends.

That said, we're in London - if we were somewhere rural and isolated and the nearest decent school was an hour away, that would decide it.

[Elibean]

Sorry, Journey, hadn't seen your last post!

Glad you've found a solution

[dee1969]

My daughter had a taxi/school bus pick her up at 7.35am to get her to school for 8.40am, cost £900 per year. The bus trip only took 20 minutes so she has to stand about. That's fine in the summer but on cold winter mornings not so good. So now I take her we leave at 8.15am and get there in plenty of time.
I cant believe the amount of parents who send their child to the nearest school just to get the free bus, especially when that school has a bad reputation. We sacrificed days out, don't drink, don't smoke etc for a better school. Thankfully my Son past his 11 plus and the nearest Grammar school is one of the best in the country so free bus pass. We would of paid it if need be