Travel plans

We discourage students travelling to and from school by car unless there are special circumstances. We understand that some students have no alternative to travel by car but we believe that there are others who may do so due to a lack of information or lack of confidence in the alternatives available. We are keen to promote the alternatives and help families choose more sustainable forms of transport. 

A large volume of students arrive at and leave the academy on foot, bike or scooter, which means there is a significant risk of accidents involving cars, particularly at the entrance to West Site, Priory Road and the Beacon car park. School car parks should not be used by parents dropping off or picking up students, however when visitors do use them if it is absolutely essential that speed limits of 5mph are observed at all times. 

There are a number of dedicated cycle routes which serve King Alfred’s Academy making cycling to school a safe option for most students, but as with any town there are areas that are better suited to cycling than others. To ensure student safety we have created a Cycle Plan in conjunction with local cycling groups and Cycling UK Wantage. 

West Site, Centre Site and the Sixth Form Centre all have bike sheds for students to leave their bikes and scooters securely during the school day.  

It is important that when travelling to school by bike or scooter students do so safely; we encourage the use of helmets and, in the winter months, lights and high-visibility clothing. It is also important that students’ bikes are roadworthy and we encourage you and them to carry out regular checks Sustrans has a helpful checklist and video. 

To plan your journey to school we recommend these routes to West Site or to Centre Site or by using Komoot to explore the safest and quickest routes.  

We also recommend using the interactive journey planner below to plan cycle routes to King Alfred's Academy.

Many of our students walk to school and the number of way-marked routes make this a safe and viable option for the majority of our students. The Highway Code offers information and safety advice for walkers as do the Ramblers Charity. We encourage our students to walk together and wear visible clothing in the winter months. 

To plan your journey to school we suggest using Komoot to explore the safest and quickest routes.  

Free School Bus Transport

All children of compulsory school age qualify for free school transport if they go to their nearest school:

In order to qualify for free school transport, the following criteria apply:

• the school is more than 3 miles away
• there is no safe walking route between home and school
• or they cannot walk to/ from school because of a SEN or mobility need

For lower income families there is further information here: Free school transport - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

For those families whose children are not eligible for free school transport but still require transport, spaces may be available via the Oxfordshire County Council Spare Seats Scheme. Further information on this scheme can be found here: Paid home to school travel assistance | Oxfordshire County Council

All villages within the school’s catchment area are serviced by school transport routes operated and tended by Oxfordshire County Council

In addition to these services, the Academy operates a private charter service for students travelling to the Academy from the east of our catchment area. This service is paid for by parents, on a monthly basis, directly to the Academy and serves Steventon, Didcot, East Hagbourne, Blewbury, Upton, West Hagbourne, Harwell and East Hendred.

Any enquiries about this bus service should be directed to the Academy via: enquiries@ka.vale-academy.org