Transport
How students get to and from school, including bus routes, passes and eligibility.
PARENT & STUDENT HUB
Getting here from across the valley
Haydon Bridge High School draws students from a wide rural area across the South Tyne valley and beyond, so reliable school transport matters. Most of our students travel to school by bus, with routes operated through Northumberland County Council’s home-to-school transport scheme.
Below you’ll find details of current bus routes, how to apply for a bus pass, eligibility criteria, and who to contact if you have questions about your child’s journey to school.
Travelling to and from School
Our students travel from across a wide catchment area — from the Scottish, Cumbrian and Durham borders, as well as villages closer to home like Haltwhistle, Allendale and Bellingham.
To make those journeys safe and straightforward, we offer a range of travel options.
Walking
Many of our students live within a mile of school and choose to walk. It’s a healthy, practical option — but the busy roads through Haydon Bridge and the train crossing in the village mean good road safety habits really matter.
We encourage students to plan their route carefully and to take particular care around traffic and the rail crossing.
By Car
Parents and carers are welcome to drop children off at the front of school.
Please park in a designated bay in the school car park rather than along the roadside — parking on the road can block traffic and create unsafe conditions for other students arriving on foot.
By Bus
The school operates dedicated bus routes that collect students from set pick-up points each morning and return them at the end of the day.
Bus passes are issued by Northumberland County Council and need to be applied for in advance. We encourage families to apply as early as possible.
The School Bus Service
To serve our wide catchment area we run seven school buses, with additional service bus, minibus and taxi options from certain points along the main routes.
Once an application is approved, your child will receive a bus pass or QR code that includes their photo, route details, and pick-up and drop-off locations.
PARENT & STUDENT HUB
Tips for the School Bus
Getting on the bus
If your child is new to using the school bus, it’s worth finding the stop together in advance — it makes the first day a lot less daunting:
- Have the bus pass or QR code ready to show the driver
- Wave the bus down by extending an arm as it approaches, so the driver knows to stop
- Stand well back from the kerb and wait until the bus has come to a complete stop before boarding
- Always board the bus assigned to you, as shown on the pass
Conduct on the bus
A few simple guidelines keep journeys safe and pleasant for everyone:
- Show your pass or QR code to the driver when asked
- Wear seat belts where fitted
- No food or drink on board
- Don’t distract the driver unless there’s an emergency
- Take care of the bus, including CCTV and safety equipment
- Be respectful to fellow students
Students who don’t follow these guidelines may be placed on a Transport Contract or risk losing their bus privileges.
Getting off the bus
- When your stop is next, ring the bell once — if it’s already been rung, no need to ring again
- If you need to cross the road, wait until the bus has moved off and you can see clearly in both directions, or use the nearest available crossing
Terms and Conditions of Travel
By registering to use school transport, parents and students accept the terms and conditions of travel, including the sanctions that apply if behaviour standards aren’t met. Parents should be aware that if a child causes damage or fails to meet the expected standards of behaviour on the bus, they may:
- Have their pass withdrawn
- Be banned from the bus
- Be prosecuted by police
- Be required to pay for any damage caused
Bus passes should be looked after carefully — replacements cost £10.00.