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

Ashley Academy map

See contact details and more for Ashley Academy.

Bamburgh School

Bamburgh School map

See contact details and more for Bamburgh School.

Bede Burn Primary School

Bede Burn Primary School map

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

Boldon Nursery School map

See contact details and more for Boldon Nursery School.

Boldon School

Boldon School map

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

Clervaux Nursery map

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

East Boldon Infant School map

See contact details and more for East Boldon Infant School.

East Boldon Junior School

East Boldon Junior School map

See contact details and more for East Boldon Junior School.

Fellgate Primary School

Fellgate Primary School map

See contact details and more for Fellgate Primary School.

Hadrian Primary School

Hadrian Primary School map

See contact details and more for Hadrian Primary School and Nursery Unit.

Harton Academy

Harton Academy map

See contact details and more for Harton Academy.

Harton Primary School

Harton Primary School map

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 

Helen Gibson Nursery map

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

Jarrow School map

See contact details and more for Jarrow School.

Keelman's Way School

Keelman's Way School map

See contact details and more for Keelman's Way School.

Laygate Community School

Laygate Community School map

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

Marsden Primary School map

See contact details and more for Marsden Primary School and Nursery Unit.

Monkton Infant School

Monkton Infant School map

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

Mortimer Primary School map

See contact details and more for Mortimer Primary School and Nursery Unit.

Park View School

Park View School map

See contact details and more for Park View School.

Ridgeway Primary Academy

Ridgeway Primary Academy map

See contact details and more for Ridgeway Primary Academy and Nursery Unit.

Sea View Primary School

Sea View Primary School map

See contact details and more for Sea View Primary School and Nursery Unit.

Simonside Primary School

Simonside Primary School map

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

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

St Bede's VA RC Jarrow map

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

St Joseph's CA map

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 

St Mary's Jarrow map

See contact details and more for St Mary's Catholic Primary School and Nursery Unit.

St Matthew's Jarrow

St Matthew's Jarrow map

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

St Wilfrid's College map

See contact details and more for St Wilfrids RC College.

Stanhope Primary School

Stanhope Primary School map

See contact details and more for Stanhope Primary School and Nursery Unit.

Sue Hedley Nursery

Sue Hedley Nursery map

See contact details and more for Sue Hedley Nursery School.

The Beacon Centre

The Beacon Centre map

See contact details and more for The Beacon Centre.

Toner Avenue School

Toner Avenue School map

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

Whitburn Academy map

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

Map key
SymbolMeaning
Signalled crossing
Signalled crossing
Zebra crossing
Zebra crossing
Cycle parking
Cycle parking
Park and stride
Park and stride
School 'keep clear' area
School 'keep clear' area
Entrance
Entrance
Location of school
Location of school
400 metres - 5 minutes' walk
400 metres - 5 minutes' walk
800 metres - 10 minutes' walk
800 metres - 10 minutes' walk

 

Contacts