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Transition to secondary school – transport and active travel information

Transitioning from primary to secondary school is one of the biggest steps a pupil will take in their school life. How they choose to travel to their new school requires careful thought and planning. This change presents a great opportunity to encourage positive travel habits that can support independence, health, and sustainability.

School transition programmes help primary pupils prepare for their move to secondary school, ensuring that the experience is safe, enjoyable, and well-informed. Giving pupils the chance to fully explore and discuss their travel options allows them to make confident choices while adapting to their new routine.

Whether walking, cycling, wheeling, or using public transport, establishing a smooth, reliable travel routine is key to starting secondary school with confidence. This guide provides practical tips to help parents and pupils consider different travel options, stay safe, and make the journey to school an easy and enjoyable part of the day.

Planning the journey

  • Check school information – What time does school start and finish? Are there breakfast or after-school clubs? Where are the pedestrian entrances and cycle storage? Is there a dedicated school bus? The school’s website often has useful travel guidance.
  • Choose the best travel option – Walking, cycling, scooting, wheeling, or taking public transport are all great ways to get to school actively. Consider what works best for your child.
  • Practise the journey – Doing a couple of trial runs before the first day can help your child feel more confident about the route and timing.
  • Allow extra time – Factor in walking to bus stops, train stations, or crossing busy roads to avoid rushing.

Safety and independence

  • Stay alert on busier roads – Secondary school routes may include busier streets, so reinforce road safety skills like using crossings and staying aware of vehicles.
  • Travel with friends – Walking, cycling, or using public transport with a friend or group can improve safety and make the journey more enjoyable.
  • Be flexible – School schedules, clubs, and weather changes might require adjustments, so having a backup plan is helpful.

Cycling and scooting tips

  • Boost confidence – Training courses like Bikeability can help children, young people and families learn safe cycling skills. 
  • Check equipment – Make sure brakes, tyres, and gears are in good condition. Follow an M-check guide for a full safety check. 
  • Helmet safety – Wearing a well-fitted helmet can significantly reduce injury risks. How to fasten a helmet correctly
  • Visibility matters – Front and rear lights and bright clothing make cyclists more visible, especially in darker mornings or evenings.
  • Secure storage – Ensure bikes and scooters are safely locked at school.

Using public transport

  • Check timetables – Knowing when the bus or train arrives and departs helps avoid unnecessary delays.
  • Arrive early – Allow extra time for travel disruptions.
  • Know the stops – Make sure your child understands where to get on and off.
  • School buses - MoreBus operates several dedicated school and college bus routes. They have a lot of good information on their website. Child bus fares are available until 19 years old.

Active travel – good for your child, good for the planet

  • Supports health and fitness – Walking, cycling, scooting, and wheeling help children stay active, improve heart health, build strength, and improve concentration at school.
  • Encourages wellbeing – Regular movement can boost mood, confidence, and reduce stress.
  • Promotes independence – Learning how to navigate travel routes builds confidence and responsibility for young people and gives them skills for life.
  • Saves money – Walking, scooting, wheeling and cycling can reduce transport costs.
  • Reduces pollution – Choosing active travel lowers emissions and contributes to cleaner air creating healthier environments for everyone.
  • Improves road safety – More children walking and cycling means fewer cars, making school routes safer.

Driving? Try park and stride. If driving is necessary, consider dropping off five to ten minutes from school and walking the rest of the way. This helps reduce congestion and air pollution at the school gate while adding a little activity to the morning routine.

Further travel information and road safety links

Walking, cycling, wheeling and scooting

If you cycle or want to cycle to school in the future

More information about BCP Council’s Bikeability training programme 

Our delivery partners, Sustrans, have some great tips on walking and cycling, as well as information on how to have a successful active school run

Our delivery partners, Living Streets have a walking to secondary school guide

Road safety

BCP Council’s Road Safety education programme 

The Department of Transport Think! website 

Home to school transport

Our home to school transport policy outlines who is eligible for school transport assistance.

Bus travel

MoreBus have a lot of good information on their website

They also operate several dedicated school and college bus routes and offer a range of point-to-point term tickets via their mobile app. As a parent you can buy these for your child from the fares and tickets page.

Train travel

South Western Railway (SWR)'s student's guide to train travel offers several options for pupils traveling by train, including railcards, group travel discounts, and child-rate tickets.

Pupils aged 16-17 can get a 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off most fares. Younger children (5-15) can travel with child tickets, and those under 5 traveling with an adult travel for free.

If you have any railway lines to cross on the way to school, you may be interested in these resources from Network Rail: Safety education - Network Rail

 

If you have any questions about your journey to school, please contact us via email at activetravel@bcpcouncil.gov.uk