Transport

How will my child get to school? 

As part of your preparations for joining Whitworth Park Academy, you may wish to consider how your child will travel to and from school each day. Most students living in Byers Green, Binchester, West Cornforth, Coxhoe and surrounding areas will usually qualify for home-to-school transport provided by Durham County Council (DCC).

A School Transport (S20) application form is included in the new starters’ information pack. This form, along with any other required documentation, should be completed and returned as soon as possible. You can also download the S20 form using the link below:

S20 DCC Form

Completed forms should be emailed to: schooltransportteam@durham.gov.uk

If your child qualifies for free transport through Durham County Council, a bus pass will normally be sent directly to your home address during the summer holidays. This will include details of the allocated service, route information and pick-up times.

For any enquiries regarding Local Authority transport, please contact Durham County Council’s School Transport Team:

• Telephone: 03000 264444
• Email: schooltransportteam@durham.gov.uk

Further information can also be found on Durham County Council’s website. 

Whitworth Park Academy Transport Provision

In addition to Local Authority transport, Whitworth Park Academy offers a transport provision based on three travel zones. Distances are measured using Durham County Council’s “as the crow flies” methodology.

Zone 1

Distance: Less than 1.3 miles from the school entrance

• School transport is not provided within this zone.
• Walking and cycling routes have been reviewed for safety and recommended routes are available upon request.
• Secure bicycle storage is available on site.
• Regular public bus services operate within this area for families who wish to use them.

Zone 2

Distance: Between 1.3 and 2.56 miles from the school entrance

• Zone 2 bus passes will be issued following receipt of the required termly payment.
• Students using the Whitworth Park Academy bus service within this zone can access transport at a heavily subsidised rate.
• Where the Whitworth Park Academy bus service does not operate from a particular location, including Kirk Merrington, families may request a significantly subsidised public service bus pass.

Zone 3

Distance: More than 2.56 miles from the school entrance

• Families currently using Whitworth Park Academy home-to-school transport and residing in Zone 3 will retain their existing transport arrangements until their child completes Year 11.
• This includes any free transport currently provided by the Academy.

Students joining Year 7 or transferring to the Academy mid-year in the future will be subject to the Academy’s updated transport arrangements for Zone 3.

School-Issued Bus Passes

For students receiving transport arranged by Whitworth Park Academy, a transport confirmation letter will be issued with details of the allocated route and pick-up times.

Bus passes are typically distributed during the first few days of the autumn term. Students will still be permitted to travel on their allocated service from their first day at school, as drivers are aware that passes may not have been issued before the start of term.

If you have any questions regarding Academy transport, please contact the school office for assistance.

Bus Timetable 2026/2027 

The table below details times and locations of pick up and collection points.  These times are departure times, and we recommend your child arrives 5 minutes before. Times may vary slightly depending on traffic, student numbers and inclement weather. 

Route 1 (Garnett’s) 

Route 2 (Shaw’s of Durham) 

The return journey will begin each day at approximately 15:05 – 15:10. 

Behaviour and Conduct on School Buses 

Transport to and from school is provided and regulated by the Local Authority. We expect high standards of behavior on school contract buses and public transport used by our pupils to ensure the safety of all passengers. Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated and as a result, your child may lose their place on the bus.   

If your child no longer requires the bus, please inform the office so that the place can be allocated to students on the waiting list.