Travelling to and from school
Overview
It is the responsibility of parents and carers to ensure that their children of school age attend school.
We encourage all children to travel independently where possible.
Walking to and from school encourages healthy lifestyles and improves young people's self-esteem and resilience.
These pages offer information on the travel options available to children.
If walking or the use of public transport is not possible, see help with school and college transport.
Passes and free travel
Passes include the Nexus pop card and Nexus child season ticket. Some students may also be able to get free school travel.
Under 16's Nexus pop card
Students who are under 16 and living in Tyne and Wear can apply for an Under 16 pop card to get a discount on their public transport fare. See Nexus: Under 16s.
Child season ticket
You can pay for travel to school for the term, or school year, in advance - so you don't have to pay fares every day. See Nexus: Child season ticket.
Free school travel
If you live more than 3 miles from your school, some students may be entitled to free travel. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to check with South Tyneside Council on this.
Please call 0191 424 7755 to discuss this further.
Buses
Options include school bus services and commercial services.
School bus services
For the 2023 / 24 academic year, Nexus will continue to provide school bus services throughout South Tyneside.
For information including timetables and schedules, see Nexus: South Tyneside school bus services.
Always try to pay the correct fare if using money. There is no guarantee change will be available on the day.
Commercial bus services
You can get to many schools by commercial bus services (Stagecoach or Go North East) which operate throughout the times of the school run.
To check whether you can travel to school on a commercial bus service, you can: Nexus has developed the below options which can help with planning your journey:
- View the Nexus Live Travel Map - simply enter your school's name, your home postcode and journey time to find your bus and Metro options
- Call Nexus Customer Services on 0191 202 0747 for all public transport advice and information
Always try to pay the correct fare if using money. There is no guarantee change will be available on the day.
Cycling and scooting
Cycling to school is one of the easiest ways to get exercise into the daily routine. With the right equipment, cycling is suitable for most people of different ages and abilities.
It's a low-impact form of exercise, which means it helps you get fitter but is gentle on your joints. Exercising in the morning can help you feel happier and concentrate more.
To help with planning the school journey a cycle map is also available. This shows all of the recommended cycle routes in South Tyneside with many of these connecting into the schools.
To download a copy of the map, see:
If you would like to request a paper copy of the map please email the Strategic Transport Team at strategictransport@southtyneside.gov.uk.
When cycling to school, it is important that school children use the following safety measures:
- Children must wear cycle helmets at all times
- Always make sure that your child's bike has the correct lights, bell and reflectors on it
- Hi-vis fluorescent, reflective vests or jackets should also be worn to make sure that the child is visible by traffic and pedestrians during both the day, and at night
To encourage more children to cycle to school, the Council undertakes Bikeability Training. This is a programme delivered by qualified instructors and designed to give young people the road skills required to make independent bike journeys.
A number of our schools have a range of cycle and scooter parking for visitors and staff.
If you have any questions or queries about the cycle storage facilities at schools, please feel free to contact the school and a member of staff will be able to assist.
Walking
Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active and become healthier.
It's suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
There are usually nearby estates, shops and car parks close to the school so you can be dropped off and walk the rest of the way.
By walking to school, children gain road-sense and are able to learn about risk and therefore how to look after themselves and be safe. Walking to school is also sociable for children and helps them become more independent. It is a great way to start the day.
By encouraging walking, there will be fewer cars travelling to school, with the roads in the area becoming safer for everyone, especially around the school gates. This will result in fewer cars parking and causing concerns with local residents.
Did you know:
- It takes around 20 minutes to walk a mile - 20 minutes of exercise each day can make you healthier
- On average, it takes about 10 minutes to walk 1,000 steps
- It's easy to fit walking into your daily routine, even if you live more than a mile from school
Why not try:
- Getting off the bus one or two stops earlier than you need to
- Parking the car a little further away and continue on foot
Parking
We understand that some students may only be able to travel to school using a private car. In these cases, the Council encourages people to park away from the school in appropriate car parks and walk the rest of the way.
The 'Smarter Parker' initiative encourages parents to think carefully when parking near to the school, or even within the school car park, to help keep our children safe.
Parents can sometimes be tempted to park where they shouldn't when they're in a hurry, late for work, don't want their children to get wet in bad weather and because "it's only for a short amount of time".
By parking where you shouldn't, parents are potentially putting their own and other people's children at risk. To keep everyone safe, please don't:
- park on the 'keep clear' road markings
- park on yellow zig-zags or lines
- double-park
There may be an enforcement camera car in the area to stop people from parking unsafely. Penalty charge notices may apply if you park irresponsibly and illegally.
Parking responsibly will help keep children safe and reduce congestion around the school gates and nearby properties.
School start times
Central Government have requested that educational establishments look at options to stagger the start / finish times to try to reduce the impact of all students entering / exiting the premises at the same time.
Individual schools will decide if they are going to stagger the start times, please contact the schools direct for further information.
School maps
Check out the maps below for:
- an idea of how long it will take you to walk to your school (the circles show the distance it will take to walk 5 minutes and 10 minutes)
- areas you can park and walk the rest of the way
- keep clear areas
- cycle parking
- pedestrian crossings
See the full map key.
For advice and information about ways to get to school, see travelling to and from school.
Schools Go Smarter
Schools Go Smarter encourages school children, their parents and carers, and schools to think about using more sustainable ways of travelling to and from school each day.
By walking, cycling, scooting and using public transport, you can help to keep yourself healthier and fitter, as well as making your journeys to school kinder to the environment.
Website: Go Smarter
Facebook: Your Go Smarter
Twitter: @GoSmarterSchool
Email: info@gosmarter.co.uk
Ashley Primary School
See contact details and more for Ashley Academy.
Bamburgh School
See contact details and more for Bamburgh School.
Bede Burn Primary School
See contact details and more for Bede Burn Primary School.
Biddick Hall Infant School
Biddick Hall Infant School map
See contact details and more for Biddick Hall Infant School and Nursery Unit.
Biddick Hall Junior School
Biddick Hall Junior School map
See contact details and more for Biddick Hall Junior School.
Boldon Nursery School
See contact details and more for Boldon Nursery School.
Boldon School
See contact details and more for Boldon School.
Cleadon Church of England Academy
Cleadon Church of England Academy map
See contact details and more for Cleadon Church Of England Academy.
Clervaux Nursery
See contact details and more for Clervaux Nursery School.
Dunn Street Primary School
Dunn Street Primary School map
See contact details and more for Dunn Street Primary School and Nursery Unit.
East Boldon Infant School
See contact details and more for East Boldon Infant School.
East Boldon Junior School
See contact details and more for East Boldon Junior School.
Fellgate Primary School
See contact details and more for Fellgate Primary School.
Hadrian Primary School
See contact details and more for Hadrian Primary School and Nursery Unit.
Harton Academy
See contact details and more for Harton Academy.
Harton Primary School
See contact details and more for Harton Primary School and Nursery Unit.
Hebburn Comprehensive School
Hebburn Comprehensive School map
See contact details and more for Hebburn Comprehensive School.
Hebburn Lakes Primary School
Hebburn Lakes Primary School map
See contact details and more for Hebburn Lakes Primary and Nursery Unit.
Hedworth Lane Primary School
Hedworth Lane Primary School map
See contact details and more for Hedworth Lane Primary School.
Hedworthfield Primary School
Hedworthfield Primary School map
See contact details and more for Hedworthfield Primary School and Nursery Unit.
Helen Gibson Nursery
See contact details and more for Helen Gibson Nursery School.
Holy Trinity Church of England School
Holy Trinity Church of England School map
See contact details and more for Holy Trinity Church Of England Academy School and Nursery Unit.
Jarrow Cross Church of England School
Jarrow Cross Church of England School map
See contact details and more for Jarrow Cross C Of E Primary.
Jarrow School
See contact details and more for Jarrow School.
Keelman's Way School
See contact details and more for Keelman's Way School.
Laygate Community School
See contact details and more for Laygate Community School and Nursery Unit.
Lord Blyton Primary School
Lord Blyton Primary School map
See contact details and more for Lord Blyton Primary School and Nursery Unit.
Marine Park Primary School
Marine Park Primary School map
See contact details and more for Marine Park Primary School and Nursery Unit.
Marsden Primary School
See contact details and more for Marsden Primary School and Nursery Unit.
Monkton Infant School
See contact details and more for Monkton Infant School and Nursery Unit.
Mortimer Community College
Mortimer Community College map
See contact details and more for Mortimer Community College.
Mortimer Primary School
See contact details and more for Mortimer Primary School and Nursery Unit.
Park View School
See contact details and more for Park View School.
Ridgeway Primary Academy
See contact details and more for Ridgeway Primary Academy and Nursery Unit.
Sea View Primary School
See contact details and more for Sea View Primary School and Nursery Unit.
Simonside Primary School
See contact details and more for Simonside Primary School.
SS Peter and Paul RC Primary School
SS Peter and Paul RC Primary School map
See contact details and more for SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School and Nursery Unit.
St Aloysius VA Infant School
See contact details and more for St Aloysius RC VA Infant School and Nursery Unit.
St Aloysius VA Junior School
St Aloysius VA Junior School map
See contact details and more for St Aloysius RC VA Junior School.
St Bede's VA RC Jarrow
See contact details and more for St Bedes RC VA Primary School and Nursery Unit, Jarrow.
St Bede's VA RC South Shields
St Bede's VA RC South Shields map
See contact details and more for St Bede's Catholic Primary School.
St Gregory's RC Primary School
St Gregory's RC Primary School map
See contact details and more for St Gregorys RC Primary School.
St James' RC VA Primary School
St James' RC VA Primary School map
See contact details and more for St James RC VA Primary School.
St Joseph's CA
See contact details and more for St Joseph's Catholic Academy.
St Joseph's VA RC Primary School
St Joseph's VA RC Primary School map
See contact details and more for St James RC VA Primary School.
St Mary's Jarrow
See contact details and more for St Mary's Catholic Primary School and Nursery Unit.
St Matthew's Jarrow
See contact details and more for St Matthews RC VA Primary School.
St Oswald's VA RC Primary School
St Oswald's VA RC Primary School map
See contact details and more for St Oswald's Catholic Primary School and Nursery Unit.
St Wilfrid's College
See contact details and more for St Wilfrids RC College.
Stanhope Primary School
See contact details and more for Stanhope Primary School and Nursery Unit.
Sue Hedley Nursery
See contact details and more for Sue Hedley Nursery School.
The Beacon Centre
See contact details and more for The Beacon Centre.
Toner Avenue School
See contact details and more for Toner Avenue Primary School and Nursery.
Valley View Primary School
Valley View Primary School map
See contact details and more for Valley View Primary School and Nursery Unit.
West Boldon Primary School
West Boldon Primary School map
See contact details and more for West Boldon Primary School.
Westoe Crown Primary School
Westoe Crown Primary School map
See contact details and more for Westoe Crown Primary and Nursery Unit.
Whitburn Academy
See contact details and more for Whitburn C Of E Academy.
Whitburn Village Primary School
Whitburn Village Primary School map
See contact details and more for Whitburn Village Primary School.
Map Key
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
 | Signalled crossing |
 | Zebra crossing |
 | Cycle parking |
 | Park and stride |
 | School 'keep clear' area |
 | Entrance |
 | Location of school |
 | 400 metres - 5 minutes' walk |
 | 800 metres - 10 minutes' walk |
Contacts
- Sustainable Transport - strategictransport@southtyneside.gov.uk
- Education - school.admissions@southtyneside.gov.uk
- School and college transport assistance - transport.team@southtyneside.gov.uk
- Independent travel training - travel.training@southtyneside.gov.uk
- Nexus - www.nexus.org.uk