School Transport

Information for 2026/27

Please find below information regarding the availability of school transport to The Gryphon School for the academic year 2026/27.

Students in Years 7 – 11 within Catchment

Free transport is provided for qualifying pupils in Years 7-11 to attend their catchment or nearest appropriate school.

The catchment area of The Gryphon School includes Sherborne, Yetminster, Bradford Abbas, Bishop’s Caundle, Buckland Newton, Thornford, Trent and the surrounding Dorset area.

Dorset Council is responsible for providing school transport for these students. More information can be obtained by contacting Dorset Travel as follows:

Website:  https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/education-and-training/school-transport/school-transport

The Gryphon School is the nearest appropriate school for some Somerset villages and locations, for example Milborne Port and parts of Henstridge by distance. It is important to check with Dorset or Somerset Admissions to confirm eligibility for free school transport, as pupils in these villages are not in the catchment area.

Website:  https://www.somerset.gov.uk/children-families-and-education/home-to-school-transport/

If your child is entitled to free transport from Dorset Council or Somerset County Council you will automatically be contacted by the local authority before your child starts school. There is no need to contact the school.

Students in Years 7 – 11 Out of Catchment and all sixth form students

For pupils not eligible for free transport, parents are responsible for the transport arrangements for the journey to and from school.  Please find payable options below:

Gryphon School Bus Services

The school currently runs several bus services to offer transport to out-of-catchment students, covering different areas of Yeovil, Castle Cary, Galhampton, North Cadbury, Queen Camel, Sparkford, Wincanton and Cheriton. Detailed bus routes are available on the school website. The yearly fee for academic year 2026-27 will be £1200.

NEW Bus Timetables for September 2026 – please click links below:

G800 Bus Timetable (Sept 26)Download

G801 Bus Timetable (Sept 26)Download

G802 Bus Timetable (Sept 26)Download

Dorset Council – Surplus seat  

It may be possible to apply for a surplus seat on a contract bus run by Dorset School Transport, operated by South West Coaches (SWC).

Parents should contact SWC on 01935 475872 or visit https://www.southwestcoaches.co.uk/SurplusSeat for more information.

Behaviour

A good standard of behaviour is expected on all buses and any student who misbehaves runs the risk of being asked to find alternative transport.

Personal arrangements

Other parents make their own arrangements to bring their child to school, for example by car or taxi. Please bear in mind we have limited parking on site and it is recommended the afternoon pickup is arranged from 3.30pm to ease congestion.

Bicycles

The school has bike racks for security, although students will need to bring their own lock. Please be aware that bikes are left at the owner’s risk.

Please note the above information is correct as of May 2026. Local and national changes to education policy could result in alterations to these arrangements.