11 Plus Exams Forum

I was wondering if anyone knew the best way to get to Skinner's from Sissinghurst? I understand there is a school bus and another bus that runs to/from the area but wondered how many Skinner's pupils travelled on it or if train/walking would be better?

thanks

I believe a bus runs directly from the Wisley Pound roundabout. Need to purchase freedom pass - £100 I think from next year_ and you have transport for the year. Easy.

Thanks NKM. I just wondered if many Skinner's boys travelled on the bus, it looks like it takes 80 minutes and am fearing that sounds a lot for a boy of 11. I would be really grateful for any thoughts/experiences.

Thanks

I don't know the answer to your question I'm afraid.

I do know that pupils travel to Tonbridge from your area by both bus and train. Train seems to involve getting a lift to/from Staplehurst (bus down A229 available as back up). Going to TW, however, would mean changing trains at Tonbridge which adds significantly to the journey time. I would therefore expect the school bus to be a better bet (seems to take about an hour and will drop off much closer to Skinners than the station). Also, bus will be a lot cheaper if that is a factor.

Thanks K99. That is what I figured about train route, and the school is about 20min from either High Brooms or Tunbridge Wells station on top of the change of trains at Tonbridge. I'm just wondering if we are mad to even contemplate it for our DS as nearly 3hrs a day travelling seems way too much at any age.

Gosh, poor you, it sounds like a really tricky journey
I know my son was shattered when he started in year 7 and he only had a 25 minute bus journey which was only one bus so i can imagine a 80 minute trek would take it out of your son so you are right to explore all the options.
The freedom pass is definitely worth going for even though its going up in price as they can use it on all buses in the holidays and weekends. however, this isnt valid on trains so this may be worth thinking about.
it may be worth contacting the school. They may give you information about other boys in your area. Would it be an option to car share if this was the case, even for the first year til DS finds his feet! Good luck, let us know how you get on!

Hi there, my son will be travelling from Marden and i haven't finalised the route yet, but have a few options which may be the same as yours. PM me if you want to have a chat.

Quite a few go to skinners from wisley pound I believe. They quickly get used to the journey. Homework and chat!

Yes, they get either the school bus - 267 - which drops them off outside school, but goes all round the houses - i.e Tonbridge, then T. Wells or the public bus, 297 which goes direct to T Wells but drops them off in Monson Road and them have a 10 - 15 min walk, or catch another bus outside Tescos. - both go from Cranbrook.