Chorister Commute

Chorister School

Mind, Body, Walk Our Chorister Commute

Every morning, our pupils walk through one of the most inspiring landscapes in the country.

Beneath the Cathedral towers, across Prebends Bridge and through the trees, they begin their day with movement, joy and wellness.

Our Chorister Commute celebrates this unique journey. It transforms what some schools call a ‘school run’ into something far richer — a shared moment of wellbeing, friendship and discovery.

At Chorister School, our vision for Our Chorister Commute goes beyond the daily walk.

We are committed to helping every child — from Nursery to Year 6 — travel actively, safely and sustainably, whilst building confidence, independence and respect for the environment.

Through a series of initiatives supported by Durham County Council and national organisations, we are creating a whole-school culture of sustainable travel.

Every child can take part, whether they walk, scoot or cycle while learning skills that will last a lifetime.

We call it Mind, Body, Walk to School, because every step supports healthy minds, strong bodies and a connected community.

“Our Chorister Commute isn’t just how we get to school, it’s how we begin and end the day as a community.”

Mrs Sally Harrod Head, Chorister School

Our World Heritage Site We offer many enrichment opportunities and, a daily walk through history that nurtures mind, body, and spirit is just one of them.

The Choristers Commute. Good things come to those who walk.

Walking through Durham each morning reminds us how lucky we are. This is not just a journey; it’s part of our education.

It wakes me up before lessons, my brain feels ready!

— Year 4 pupil

Our Chorister Commute The Benefits Every morning at Chorister School begins with movement, connection and calm.

Our Mind, Body, Walk philosophy turns the journey to school into something deeper, a daily rhythm that supports wellbeing, focus and friendship.

Mind: Walking and cycling allows our brains to wake up gently, improves concentration, and reduces stress and anxiety.

Body: Regular movement builds fitness, strength, and energy.

Community & Environment: Fewer cars means safer, cleaner streets. Walking together strengthens our school community and reduces congestion.

Learning: Children who walk arrive calmer and more ready to engage in lessons.

Rooted in Our MARK Values Our daily walk embodies the values at the heart of Chorister School: Moral Integrity – making the right choices – striving for wellbeing and personal goals Ambition Responsibility – making healthy choices, caring for others and our environment – walking together, supporting one another Kindness

For many families, walking to school isn’t always the easy option it should be.

That’s why parents, carers, and grandparents across the UK are getting creative.

They are finding their own ways to make walking work for their family - and keeping it simple and stress-free.

Walking Bus?

Pushed for time?

Start with small steps If you’re keen to walk to school but time feels tight, commit to walking one day a week or walking part of the way. Once you’ve cracked your walking-morning routine, you can step it up.

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One-way walks If the walk to school isn’t possible, there’s always the walk home. Lots of parents find morning school-runs tricky but can manage their day to fit around the walk home. Many employers offer flexible working to help parents meet childcare needs too. If your employer’s policy isn’t clear, it’s worth asking about.

Our Walking Bus Staff will meet you with music, the children will be surrounded by nature and friends. Walks will be...

Accompanied sometimes by music. Spot exercises, and wellie of the week/best hat competitions.

Find walking buddies: Take turns with other families Families often buddy-up and take turns to walk their children to school. It’s a great way to share the school run, and it’s fun for your children to walk with their friends.

Unwilling walkers?

Make it fun Worried about safety?

Show as you go

Sometimes, we suggest an idea to our children and get ‘the look’ or a straight ‘no, I don’t want to.’ If your child isn’t keen to walk to school, arrange to meet friends, meet us at the White Gates and walk together or turn the journey into a game.

Showing your children how to spot risks and be safe near busy roads is one of the best ways to protect them.

Practising road safety makes children more aware, more confident, and safer around traffic. And giving you peace of mind as your children become more independent.

The Story of the Choristers Walking Bus

Too far to walk or heading straight to work?

Park and stride Rubbish weather?

Welly-up all the way to school?

Live in a rural area or too far away to walk -off? Consider driving part Need to head to work after school drop ng your car a ten leavi By rest. of the journey and walking the ll be making sure you’ ol, scho from away walk ) minute (or more n outside the estio cong avoid your child gets exercise. And you’ll . time on work to school gates and get

Children know there’s nothing better than splashing in puddles, so don’t let the rain dampen your spirits. One of the joys of walking to school is getting out rain or shine. If you keep an eye on the skies and have wellies, woollies, and all-weather- wear to hand, a bit of rain won’t spoil your day. Our White Gate Chorister Walking Bus will go in all weathers!

The Walking Bus first began in 2006, as a simple idea to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce congestion on The Bailey. It started with just one bus, one day a week, and a small group of enthusiastic pupils.

Parents were immediately supportive, and the children loved it too. Older pupils naturally became mentors to the younger ones — helping, chatting, and setting a wonderful example of care and responsibility.

With encouragement from Durham County Council, the early Walking Bus grew quickly. The council helped with risk assessments and even arranged for a local historian and a poet to join the walk, turning the journey into a moving classroom. On one memorable morning, a city-centre hotel even delivered hot chocolate to the route!

Before long, the Walking Bus ran every morning, and a few years later, an afternoon bus was added for the return journey. When road closures made the route tricky, the Walking Bus simply adapted — setting off from Kingsgate Bridge or the bottom of The Bailey. It has always found a way.

Whatever the weather, the Walking Bus continues thanks to our dedicated staff who know each child by name. The route, with its picturesque views of the Cathedral and river, remains one of the most scenic and uplifting starts to the school day. ~ Mrs Annie Field, Chorister Teacher

How Can We Help?

A staff-led Walking Bus from the White Gates across Prebends Bridge each morning.

How the Walking Bus Works Our Chorister Walking Bus runs every day for children in Years 1 to 6, helping families enjoy a calm, convenient and safe start and end to the school day.

The route begins at the White Gates on Quarryheads Lane — a convenient drop-off point just a short, scenic walk from school across Prebends Bridge.

Pupils are accompanied by staff at all times, with friendly faces greeting families each morning.

Morning Journeys Drop-off time: between 7.45am and 8.15am Departure times: First Walking Bus leaves promptly at 8.00am Second Walking Bus leaves promptly at 8.15am No need to book — simply drop your child at the White Gates, where staff will register them safely before departure.

Each group enjoys a mindful, sociable walk through Durham’s most beautiful setting — a calm, healthy transition into the school day.

Afternoon Journeys To make collection as simple as possible, the Walking Bus returns to the White Gates at three set times, depending on your child’s year group and after-school activities: Group Departure from School Arrival at White Gates Details Years 1–2 | 3.20pm Approx. 3.45pm | End of the core school day Years 1–6 | 4.10pm Approx. 4.30pm | After clubs or Prep department day Years 1–6 | 5.15pm Approx. 5.30pm | After Prep, activities, or after-school care

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Staff accompany each group and remain at the collection point until all children have been safely collected.

Chorister School

White Gates Drop Off

Prebends Bridge

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For how to apply for parking permits to allow you to park for free to drop your child at : Click to View Form. Parking may also be available crossing over the river at Kingsgate.

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A booking system is in operation for afternoon walking buses, visit SOCS - Click to View SOCS

Our Chorister Commute WOW Partnership WOW – Walk with Joy

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We are proud to be part of WOW – the Walk to School Challenge, a national initiative by the charity Living Streets that encourages children to choose active, sustainable ways of travelling to school.

At Chorister School, we have embraced WOW as part of our Mind, Body, Walk to School philosophy, using it to make every journey purposeful, rewarding and fun.

Each morning, pupils record how they have travelled on our digital Travel Tracker. Walking, scooting, cycling or joining the Walking Bus all count towards progress — helping children build lifelong habits of active, healthy travel.

The Walk with Joy campaign officially launched on 1st October with a special assembly for Years 1 to 6. Every month, children who travel sustainably, at least once a week, receive a limited-edition badge, designed by pupils and themed to celebrate the changing seasons.

These badges are a fun, collectible way to recognise effort and celebrate greener choices.

Beyond the excitement of collecting badges, WOW helps to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and promote healthier lifestyles for our whole community.

Rewards and Celebration Earn: Pupils who walk, scoot or cycle at least once a week receive a monthly WOW badge.

Celebrate: Progress is shared in assemblies, with certificates and special recognition for individual and class milestones.

We will join the WOW competition ‘Leader Board’ against other North East Schools.

Parent & Guardian Benefits Quicker, calmer drop-off Safer roads around the School Opportunities for connection — join the “White Gates Team” End-of-term thank-you coffee for regular parent walkers Celebrate your family’s commitment to healthy habits

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH Walking reduces the risk of heart disease, respiratory problems, high blood pressure and diabetes

A short walk to and from school counts towards children’s and adult’s daily activity targets

If we all walked more we could save the NHS as much as £17 billion over the next 20 years

In England, only 1 in 5 boys and 1 in 6 girls age 5-15 gets enough physical activity

Physically active children are more likely to remain active as teenagers and adults Walking to school benefits children’s mental health and mood. It also reduces adults’ stress

Did you know?

The NHS recommends at least 60 minutes of daily activity for children aged 5–18 — and just 10–15 minutes of walking to and from school makes a real difference.

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Let’s start today

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND BEHAVIOUR Walking to school supports improved academic performance

Physical activity can improve children’s behaviour especially in children with additional needs

Learn more about how your child will track their commute.

Children who walk to school have greater spatial awareness and a better understanding of safety risks than children who are driven to school.

Children who walk to school feel more connected to their community, have broader social networks, and a stronger understanding of their local area - walking builds life skills

Join the journey Be part of the Chorister Commute, whether on a bike, scooter, or on foot.

🚴‍♂️ Bikeability – Learning to Cycle Safely

Our Bikeability training gives pupils the skills and confidence to cycle safely on today’s roads.

The government-backed programme is taught by qualified instructors and follows three progressive levels — beginning in a safe, off-road environment before moving to quiet roads and more complex traffic situations.

At Chorister School: Year 4 pupils begin Level 1 training in March 2026.

Year 6 pupils complete Levels 1 and 2 before the Easter break.

By the end, children can navigate real-world routes with independence and awareness — empowering them to travel actively and safely.

🚲 ‘Get Cycling’ – Starting Young

Our youngest pupils join the journey too!

Through the ‘Get Cycling’ initiative, EYFS pupils are introduced to balance bikes, learning early coordination, gross motor skills, and confidence. We will have our own fleet of balance bikes, and our Staff will be trained.

“I love hearing birds as we cross the bridge.”

-Year 6 Pupil

Modeshift STARS Recognition for Sustainable Schools We are working towards Modeshift STARS accreditation — a national award that recognises schools promoting active and sustainable travel.

It provides a framework for planning and measuring progress, rewarding schools that make travel safer, healthier, and greener.

By embedding active travel in daily life, we aim to achieve Bronze accreditation by December 2026, reflecting our commitment to the environment and to our pupils’ wellbeing.

Our Commitment Every step, pedal, or scoot is part of a bigger picture — a school where wellbeing, sustainability and independence go hand in hand.

Chorister School Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation The College, Durham, DH1 3EL, United Kingdom T: +44 (0)191 731 9270 E: prep-admissions@dcsf.org.uk www.dcsf.org.uk