Transport to Winstanley College is divided into two parts:
1. Private Coaches (contracted by Winstanley College, mostly outside the Greater Manchester boundary) You will need to reserve and pay for a place on these services.
2. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) buses. These are operated as part of the Bee Network. All TfGM routes can be found here Winstanley College | Transport for Greater Manchester (tfgm.com) – You do not need to reserve a place on these services. But you do need to check for the correct fares and also check the link regularly as they may make changes to timetables.
It is also worth taking the time to look at other possible public bus and train routes as one may be better or more cost effective than another.
Guidance and Helpful Tips for Students Parents/Carers
It is important that all students, parents/carers read this guide carefully. Especially if choosing a private coach service.
➢ We advise students to be at their coach/bus stop at least 10 minutes before the bus is due to depart, this way you know you won’t miss the bus. It’s important that students continue to do this throughout the year.
➢ Drivers have a timetable to follow so they won’t wait for any student who is running late.
➢ Buses and coaches will NOT stop automatically at each stop along the route; students must take responsibility and put their hand out to stop the vehicle otherwise it will drive past.
➢ Students should familiarise themselves with the bus or coach number which is displayed at the front of the vehicle. This is really important as vehicles can change, for example, the morning vehicle could be a blue single-decker bus, however in the afternoon (or next day) it could be a red double decker. Always look for the bus/coach number not the size/colour of the bus.
➢ It is the student’s responsibility to look for their bus or coach at the end of the day, by checking every vehicle all the way to the front of the bays. Drivers do try and get in the same bay but there can be occasions where this may not happen. Although we are there to help students for the first week of starting College, students have to be proactive and vigilant. Waiting for friends/texting on phones is a common reason students miss their bus or coach which then results in a very costly/inconvenient journey home for parents/carers to organise.
➢ Students must always wear their lanyard around their neck as it is easier to show the driver their pass. Passes must be visible and not defaced with stickers or have information scratched off.
➢ The first private coach pass is issued without charge as part of the process; however, any further lost coach passes need to be replaced by purchasing a new one by approaching Student Services .
➢ College cannot be held responsible for the unpredictable/unexpected flow of traffic from one day to the next. Where we are notified of a delay or an issue – we will in turn notify students/parents/carers.
➢ ‘Dual’ coach permits are only provided if there are sufficient seats on both vehicles, they are not guaranteed. Students can only select one primary coach number at point of application.
Contact Transport@Winstanley.ac.uk for any queries.
Passes are Non-Transferable
➢ The pass issued is non transferrable – students MUST not use it to travel on any other private coach –only the one stated on the pass.
➢ The pass remains the property of Winstanley College and must be returned when requested.
➢ On occasion we may allow travel on another coach as a one-off, students must approach student services or the transport team if they wish to request this before attempting to board.
➢ If a student forgets their coach pass, they must approach Student Services as soon as possible to obtain a paper temporary pass to allow travel on the coach that day.
Students Code of Conduct
➢ Students must adhere to the Code of Conduct when using any bus/coach service.
➢ We expect all students to behave appropriately and show respect for each other, the driver and the vehicle
➢ Smoking/vaping is not permitted on any coach or bus
➢ Eating is not permitted on private coaches (unless drivers or your Personal Tutor has agreed).
➢ Students must not leave rubbish on vehicles; any rubbish can be brought into College to be disposed of. There are several waste bins provided in our bays for convenience.
➢ Students must always remain seated, no walking or changing seats as this can obstruct the driver’s rear vision or distract the driver.
➢ Loud noise levels are not permitted, for example shouting or playing music, as this can cause distraction for the driver and affect the comfort of the journey for other passengers.
➢ No bags or feet are to be placed on empty seats as this will prevent others from sitting down. Services are busy and you’ll need to be prepared to sit next to someone you do not know.
➢ Inappropriate ‘banter’ will not be tolerated.
➢ Any breach of the Code of Conduct will result in the student being withdrawn from using the services.
Settling down period
Buses and coaches are very busy during the first few weeks of term, but things do settle down. All transport enquiries must be made by email to Transport@Winstanley.ac.uk . We aim to respond within 2 working days, though some issues may take longer while we consult with operators. We appreciate your patience.
Please note:
➢ Any changes to routes or timetables will be sent to students via their college email in the first instance. And shared on the Transport Channel of MS Teams for students.
➢ We understand this can be a stressful time, but we will not tolerate any verbal abuse toward staff.
➢ Concerns about TfGM routes can be submitted via: Make a complaint | Bee Network | Powered by TfGM Concerns about private coaches should be emailed to: Transport@Winstanley.ac.uk .
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t find a stop or service close to my home?
All private coaches will stop at any bus stop along the route between the start and end points – unless specifically stated on the schedule. Put your arm out to stop the coach.
You should also consider the wider public transport network to Wigan and then the 352 service to Orrell Rail Station. Or take a train either to Wigan or direct to Orrell Rail Station. We are then just a short walk up the hill.
352 | Bee Network | Powered by TfGM
What if I miss my bus or train or my train is cancelled?
Our advice to any students who may have missed their bus or train to or from college, or a train is cancelled, is to use public transport into Wigan town centre. This is the main connection point for bus services and the Rail Stations are also within walking distance of the Bus Station. The Arriva 352 runs very regularly up to Orrel Rail Station.
352 | Bee Network | Powered by TfGM
Is there any financial help towards my travel?
Students may be able to get some financial support by means of a Bursary towards the cost of the private coaches. Parents/Carers can only apply for a bursary AFTER enrolment. And students moving into their final year at College, must renew their bursary.
Where can I find more help?
Please note that our phone lines are very busy, especially at the start of term, therefore we ask that all enquiries are made via email as follows: -
Private coach or bus enquiries – Transport@Winstanley.ac.uk
Payment Enquiries - Direct Debit – Bus.Payments@Winstanley.ac.uk
Private Coach Routes - Costs
The cost of a private coach pass for the 2025–2026 academic year is £599. Every effort is made to keep this as low as possible while ensuring safe and convenient travel to and from College. Full details of the payment process are included in the Transport Reservation Form, which is usually emailed to parents/carers after May half term in preparation for enrolment the following August/September. This form must be completed to reserve a seat on a private coach, seats are allocated on a first come, first served bases and once coaches are full, no additional coaches will be added, and students will need to explore alternative travel options. Priority is given to students moving into their Upper Sixth year – before remaining seats are released to new applicants.
Payment can be made in full via ParentPay or a first instalment via ParentPay and the remaining instalments via bank Direct Debit. Alternatively, parents/carers can indicate on the form if they are applying for or renewing a bursary.
Seats may be available part-way through the year, depending on capacity, so if your circumstances change, it's always worth checking with us about using the private coach service.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) routes – operated by Bee Network
These services are contracted by TfGM as part of the Bee Network.
The College has no control or influence over these bus services. Bus timetables and routes are set by TfGM and any queries or concerns can be raised directly with them here Help and contact us | Bee Network | Powered by TfGM
Greater Manchester Our Pass
Our Pass is for students aged 16 – 18 who live in Greater Manchester. The travel pass can be used for up to two years, starting from 1 September after their 16th birthday, until 31 August after their 18th birthday (or until their 18th birthday, if this is 31 August).
For a one-off £10 fee, students can travel on most local buses, any day of the week, for free. To apply for Our Pass please visit Get Our Pass - Our Pass. If you are unsure your home postcode falls within the Greater Manchester area you can check this by visiting Find your local council - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .
If you’re over the age for 'Our Pass' but still live in Greater Manchester (for example, if you’ve just turned 18 or are starting Art Foundation), there are still discounted fares available for you through TfGM.
• 18-21 year olds living in Greater Manchester can get a 28-day Bee Bus ticket for just £40.
• You can access reduced-cost travel via TfGM’s “18-21” young people’s scheme.
• This scheme helps make travel more affordable if you don’t qualify for 'Our Pass' anymore.
To find full details (costs, eligibility, how to get it) visit the TfGM site
Discounted travel for 18-21 year olds | Bee Network | Powered by TfGM
Students living outside the Greater Manchester Area
If the student lives outside the Greater Manchester area and is taking public transport or linking with one of our TfGM/Bee Network services that come straight to campus, they’ll need to check with their local bus provider for relevant student passes and fares.
You may want to look at There’s the System One travel pass for a Young Person aged 16-21 for 1,7 or 28 days System One Travel
There’s also the Arriva North West Student Pass Bus Passes for Students | Student Travel | Arriva Bus and North West Ticket Zone | Arriva Bus
System One Travel
You can download the Bee Network app for live departure times for bus, tram and train.
520 – Padgate, Warrington & Croft
Operated by Grayway Coaches (01942 – 243165)
START - Padgate Station, Millhouse Pub Houghtons Green, Enfield Park Rd, left onto Crab Lane, Left onto Locking Stumps Lane, right onto Lords Lane, right onto Glover Road, A574 towards Oakwood Gate, Ordance Avenue, Admirals Rd, Ordance Avenue, clockwise around Gorse Covert (Spar Shop bus stop), Moss Gate, Daten Ave, Warrington Rd Risley, Cross Lane Croft, New Lane, Smithy Lane, Lord Street, Heath Lane, Kenyon Lane, Church Lane – END
07:20 Padgate Station (layby)
07:30 Millhouse Pub
07:33 Crab Ln, then Locking Stumps Lane and Lords Lane
07:38 Right onto Glover Rd (1st bus stop from Lords Lane) Turf & Feather (bus stop)
07:44 Admirals Road Fire Station Nelsons Quarterdeck (bus stop)
07:46 Keyes Close (bus stop)
07:50 Gorse Covert - IN
07:52 Gorse Covert - OUT Warrington Rd, Risley
08:00 New Ln, Croft
08:02 Lord St, Croft
08:05 Kenyon Ln, Croft
08:45 ARRIVE WINSTANLEY COLLEGE
16:15 BAY 2 – RETURN JOURNEY
521A – Warrington, Winwick & Newton Train Station
Operated by Grayway Coaches (01942 -243165)
START – Warrington Central Station, Tankersley Grove, Boston Blvd (anticlockwise), Kingsdale Rd, Westbrook Way, Westbrook Cres, Callands, then A574 towards Winwick Rd. Left onto Winwick Rd A49, St Oswald’s Church, Newton Rd, Mill Ln, then opposite Newton Train Station – END
07:15 Warrington Central Station (Winwick St, facing Halliwell Jones)
07:20 Cromwell Ave (St Gregory’s), then left onto Canons Rd
07:30 Tankersley Grove
07:35 Boston Blvd – Chapelford Farm
07:40 Kingsdale Rd (Duck Pond)
07:45 Westbrook Cres (Asda)
07:50 Callands Rd (round and back onto Cromwell Rd)
07:55 Winwick Rd/Quay Pub
08:05 St Oswald’s Church
08:07 Newton Rd
08:09 Opposite Newton Train Station (Mill Meadow Bus Stop)
521B – Haydock
Operated by Grayway Coaches (01942 -243165)
START – Crow Ln East (A572), Clipsley Ln, Vicarage Rd (A599), right onto Stanley Bank Way, over to Garswood Gates Farm – END
This coach does not stop on Crow Ln West or Vista Road – please see 523B instead For 2025 only – additional Culcheth Library one off pick up at 07:55 – 521BX)
08:12 Crow Lane East only
08:25 Clipsley Ln, Haydock
08:28 Clipsley Ln, Tesco Express, then Vicarage Rd to Stanley Bank Way
08:30 Garswood Gates Farm (Calday Grove bus stop)
08:40 ARRIVE AT WINSTANLEY COLLEGE
16:15 BAY 3 – RETURN JOURNEY
523A – Culcheth
Operated by Grayway Coaches (01942 -243165)
START – Lately Common bus stop (Bents Garden Centre), Warrington Rd (A574), Culcheth Library, Common Ln (B5207), Wilton Ln, right onto Kenyon Ln – END
07:50 Lately Common bus top (Bents Garden Centre facing Culcheth)
07:56 Mee Brow bus stop
07:58 Culcheth Library
08:01 Common Ln then Wilton Ln
08:05 Kenyon Ln
08:50 ARRIVE WINSTANLEY COLLEGE
16:10 BAY 3 – RETURN JOURNEY
523B – Newton-Le-Willows
Operated by Grayway Coaches (01942 -243165)
START – Southworth Rd, Newton, Crow Ln West, Vista Rd, Penny Ln, Peile Rd – END
This coach does not stop on Crow Ln East – please see 521B instead
08:15 Southworth Rd, near Newton Train Station
08:16 High Street, then Crow Ln West
08:20 Vista Rd, then left onto Penny Ln
08:22 Penny Ln
08:25 Piele Rd, English Martyrs Catholic Primary School
08:50 ARRIVAL AT WINSTANLEY COLLEGE
16:10 BAY 3 – RETURN JOURNEY
618 – Ainsdale & Southport
Operated by Grayway Coaches (01942 -243165)
START – Miller & Carter Liverpool Rd, Ainsdale (A565), right onto Carr Ln, Guildford Rd, left onto Kew Rd (B5243), Eastborne Rd, Cemetery Rd, right onto Scarisbrick New Rd, Southport Rd, past KGV College, left onto Bescar Brow Ln, right onto Hall Rd, Dam Wood Ln, Heatons Bridge Rd, Pippin St, Liverpool Rd South (A59), left at Trevor Rd – END
Depending on traffic this coach may turn left before Trevor Rd, to come down it. There are bus stops on either side of Trevor Rd, near the Stanley Club, the coach will collect from the appropriate stop.
07:25 Miller & Carter (Burnley Road bus stop)
07:31 Carr Lane
07:35 Kew Rd, Guildford Rd bus stop on the corner
07:37 Cemetery Rd
07:40 Scarisbrick New Rd (Ash Street bus stop)
07:48 Bescar Brown Ln (Morris Dancers bus stop)
07:50 Hall Rd (St Elizabeths RC Church bus stop)
08:00 Trevor Rd, Burscough
08:50 ARRIVE AT WINSTANLEY COLLEGE
16:10 BAY 3 – RETURN JOURNEY
619 – Burscough & Parbold
Operated by Grayway Coaches (01942 -243165)
START – Delph Drive bus stop, Briars Ln, Three Oaks bus stop near Ring O’Bells Ln, Lowry Hill Ln Newburgh, Course Ln, Ash Brow, Alder Ln, Mill Ln Parbold, Station Rd, The Common (B5426), Lancaster Ln, Parbold Hill, Sparrow Hill, Hall Ln, Appley Bridge South, Bank Brow, Roby Mill, Stoney Brow, College Rd, Grove Rd, Parliament St – END
08:00 Delph Drive bus stop, Briars Ln
08:02 Three Oaks bus stop near Ring O’Bells Ln
08:04 Lowry Hill Ln
08:06 Course Ln (Tears Ln bus stop – Eden Tea Rooms)
08:09 Parbold Train Station
08:16 Dangerous Corner, Pesto
08:18 Appley Bridge Train Station
08:28 Roby Mill, Farley Ln bus stop
08:30 College Rd bus stop
08:35 Grove Rd, Upholland (War Memorial bus stop)
08:46 ARRIVE WINSTANLEY COLLEGE
16:10 BAY 3 – RETURN JOURNEY
733 – Ormskirk
Operated by Grayway Coaches (01942 -243165)
START – Ormskirk Bus Station STAND 4, Ormskirk School Wigan Rd, Crosshall Brow, Wigan Rd, Dicketts Ln, Blaguegate Ln, Ormskirk Rd, Railway Rd (B5312), Hope Island, Grimshaw Rd, Windmill Rd, Newgate Rd, left onto Ormskirk Rd – END
This coach does not stop at Skelmersdale War Memorial – please see 738 instead
08:00 Ormskirk Bus Station – Stand 4
08:05 Ormskirk School
08:07 Croshall Brow, Cross Hall bus stop
08:10 Wigan Rd (Prince Albert bus stop)
08:13 Dicketts Ln, (County Florist bus stop)
08:18 Railway Rd (Liverpool Rd bus stop)
08:23 Newgate Rd, corner of Denshaw bus and coach station stop
08:25 Ormskirk Rd, Hall Green Surgery (Daybrook bus stop)
08:28 Ormskirk Rd (Victoria Hotel bus stop) Upholland
08:45 ARRIVE WINSTANLEY COLLEGE
16:15 BAY 2 – RETURN JOURNEY
734 – Aughton
Operated by Furlongs Travel (0151 546 5658)
START – Town Green Ln, Winifred Ln (Village Hall bus stop), right onto Northway (Turnpike Rd bus stop), Liverpool Rd, Holborne Hill, Aughton St (Park Rd bus top), right onto St Helens Rd, Edge Hill Uni. Ormskirk Rd – END
START – Longwall Ave/Newearth Rd, Ellenbrook Rd, over the East Lancs. Leigh Rd, Simpson Rd, back over the East Lancs. Mosley Common Rd, Hough Ln, Hen Fold Rd, Church Rd, left onto Manchester Rd, The Bulls Head (The Straights bus stop) – END
This coach does not stop on Mosley Common Rd – please see 800B instead
07:25 Longwall Ave/Newearth Rd
07:29 Ellenbrook Rd (Orchard Avenue bus stop)
07:32 Leigh Rd/Simpson Rd
07:45 Church Rd (Garret Ln bus stop)
07:46 Church Rd (Abbeycroft Close bus stop)
07:50 Manchester Rd, The Bulls Head (The Straights bus stop) (Return journey goes up to Hough Ln, Church Rd, due to the one-way system).
