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.
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
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 p before lessons my 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
Ambition
Responsibility Kindness
– making the right choices
– striving for wellbeing and personal goals
– making healthy choices, caring for others and our environment
– walking together, supporting one another
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.
WalkingBus?
Pushed for time?
Start with small steps
One-way walks
Find walkingbuddies:
Take turns with other families
Worried about safety?
Show as you go
Too far to walk or heading straight to work?
Unwilling walkers?
Park and stride Makeitfun
Rubbish weather?
Welly-up
The Story of the Choristers Walking Bus
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
Staff accompany each group and remain at the collection point until all children have been safely collected
A booking system is in operation for afternoon walking buses, visit SOCS - Click to View SOCS
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.
Our Chorister Commute
WOW Partnership
WOW – Walk with Joy
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 digita scooting, cycling or joining the Walking Bus all count towards prog build lifelong habits of active, healthy travel
The Walk with Joy campaign officially launched on 1st October wit
Years 1 to 6. Every month, children who travel sustainably, at least limited-edition badge, designed by pupils and themed to celebrat
These badges are a fun, collectible way to recognise effort and celeb
Beyond the excitement of collecting badges, WOW helps to reduce quality, and promote healthier lifestyles for our whole community.
Rewards and Celebration
Earn: Pupils who walk, scoot or cycle at least once a week r badge
Celebrate: Progress is shared in assemblies, with certificates an 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
Badges
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.
Learn more about how your child will track their commute.
ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND BEHAVIOUR
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
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.
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 Chorister School
