Transport to Pates - help please!

[fairweathergardener]

Wow that's a long journey. My children were doing Cirencester to Cheltenham for a year or so because our local school closed, but eventually, with their lives ever more taking them back to Cheltenham for evening and weekend things, we decided to move here. Now we are here and my daughter has passed for Denmark road, we are concerned that she has to leave the house at 7.45 for a 10 mile journey. Chipping Camden is dedication for sure.

[Glos_Mum]

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[bobbym]

My eldest goes to Pates and leaves at 7.20 back home about 4.45. It was very tiring for first year but ok now. She would have had to leave at a similar time to go to our preferred (but not closest) comp. I think it does depend on each child. My second one definitely would struggle with getting up and out this early, but isn't into Pates so not a decision we have to make!

[Dixon]

That's quite a journey Dr. Watson.

Totally agree - one word seems to be forgotten here - "CHILDREN". I agree its a good school but HOW MANY hours added on for travel time? Not something I would ever consider myself - each to their own - just my opinion.

I agree. But its a temporary solution before we plan our move to the area. I have seen Pates buses and one of them start at 0710 hours. So there are people who are doing it. I know its a struggle but life is such anyway.

Cheers,
Dr. Watson

The 0710hrs start would be the bus closest to me however the route has numerous stops and goes all over Gloucester. I've ruled it out due to the amount of time DS would be on the bus. There are alternatives which travel through Stroud along the A46 and it only has a few stops. We might have to give DS a quick lift to the bus stop however the saving in time for him on the bus seems worthwhile.
I'm going to see if there are others who would be interested in a car share prior to booking a bus however it's nice to know that travel issues aren't going to rule out going to Pates.

[Redlocks17]

Before our DD took the test we had to consider the family implications of a long commute. Our bus leaves at 7.15 and returns at 4.45. Not only does that mean an extremely long day for DD especially as homework etc will need to be completed but we had to consider the impact on the rest of the family. We have accepted that we will be making a huge commitment to her and with both parents working that further complicates matters. After weighing all these things up, we felt it was the right choice to make to give her the best chance of a good education.....we live in the Forest and love it here and have no intention of moving. Sometimes you just have to make sacrifices, just so long as they are ones you can live with!

[Superflygirl]

Superflygirl wrote:
Quote:
That's quite a journey Dr. Watson.


Totally agree - one word seems to be forgotten here - "CHILDREN". I agree its a good school but HOW MANY hours added on for travel time? Not something I would ever consider myself - each to their own - just my opinion.


I agree. But its a temporary solution before we plan our move to the area. I have seen Pates buses and one of them start at 0710 hours. So there are people who are doing it. I know its a struggle but life is such anyway.

Cheers,
Dr. Watson

Apologies if you feel this comment was aimed at you. It is just a generalisation that sometimes the most important person seems to be forgotten. Good luck to your DC x

[dr.watson]

Superflygirl wrote:
Quote:
That's quite a journey Dr. Watson.


Totally agree - one word seems to be forgotten here - "CHILDREN". I agree its a good school but HOW MANY hours added on for travel time? Not something I would ever consider myself - each to their own - just my opinion.


I agree. But its a temporary solution before we plan our move to the area. I have seen Pates buses and one of them start at 0710 hours. So there are people who are doing it. I know its a struggle but life is such anyway.

Cheers,
Dr. Watson

Apologies if you feel this comment was aimed at you. It is just a generalisation that sometimes the most important person seems to be forgotten. Good luck to your DC x

Hi Folks,

Anyone can recommend us a good area to live in Cheltenham? Appreciate any feedback.

Cheers,
Dr. Watson

[slackmum]

My DS is in year 9 at Pate's and catches a bus from Stroud at 7.45 and returns at 4.15 I do not consider the time wasted as it is when he socialises and does his homework. However, a huge part of the Pate's experience is the extra curricular activities and consequently I have to go to Cheltenham at least two evenings a week and every Saturday morning this can double if there are matches in the week or school events.

This can be onerous especially on my younger son and DS has had to make compromises too as he would really love to do another two clubs.

I can definitely see a time when we will move closer as I pay for an evening bus that I only use for half of the week and drive a minimum of 60 miles a week. I believe that to fully commit to the Pate's experience you do need to accept there will be after school activities and know either you or later buses are available.