School Transport

Covid 19 – Latest school transport information

Dorset Travel has sent parents of students using school transport provided by Dorset Council information about the travel arrangements from September.

Dorset Travel letter to parentsDownload

It is very likely that travel advice will change over the course of the next few months and so Dorset Council has created a new page on its website, which will be updated with any policy changes the Council makes in response to new Government guidance:

Dorset Council Covid School Transport updates

Somerset County Council

The latest guidance for students using transport provided by  Somerset County Council can be found at:

www.somerset.gov.uk/schooltransport

The above advice also  applies to students using Gryphon School contracted bus routes.

Please find below information regarding the availability of school transport to The Gryphon School for the academic year 2020/21.

Students in Years 7 – 11 within Catchment

Free transport is provided for pupils in Years 7-11 to attend their catchment or nearest appropriate school if they live between 2 miles (shortest walking) and 6 miles (shortest driven) distance from home to school.

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

Dorset Council or Somerset County Council are responsible for providing school transport for these students. You can find further information and contact them on the details below.

Dorset Council

Tel: 01305 224537

Email: dt@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Website: www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/education-and-training/school-transport/apply-renew-or-appeal-school-transport/free-school-transport-entitlement.aspx

Information about disruption to school transport can be found by visiting the Dorset Council website: www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/school-transport/school-transport-updates

Somerset County Council

Tel: 0300 123 2224

Email: transport@somerset.gov.uk

Website: www.somerset.gov.uk/education-and-families/school-transport/

The Gryphon is the nearest appropriate school for some Somerset villages and locations, for example Milborne Port and parts of Henstridge by distance. However it is important to check with Dorset or Somerset Admissions to confirm eligibility for free transport. Whilst pupils in these villages are not in the catchment area they may qualify by agreement with Somerset County Council for free transport.

If you are allocated a free transport place from Dorset Council you will automatically be contacted by their School Passenger Transport team before your child starts school. This is usually in June prior to starting. Somerset parents should contact Somerset County Council directly.

Students in Years 7 – 11 Out of Catchment and Students in Years 12 – 13

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;

Dorset Council

‘Surplus Seat’  

It is possible to apply for a surplus seat on a contract bus run by Dorset School Transport, operated by South West Coaches (SWC). Applications can be made direct to SWC on the attached application form. Parents should contact SWC on 01935 475872 or visit www.southwestcoaches.co.uk/school-services for more information.

Whilst SWC  endeavours to offer surplus seats there is no guarantee  these places will be available.

Somerset County Council

‘Paid Seat’

If your child does not qualify for free school transport, SCC may offer spare seats on their contracted transport on a paying basis. The cost of the paid seat currently is £795 (2018/19 prices, 2019/20 prices TBC). SCC will contact all current Year 11 students who receive free transport to inform them of the application process for a paid seat. Current Year 12 students will also have to re-apply for a seat. Further information can be obtained from SCC on 0300 123 2224.

Gryphon School Bus Services

We also provide our own contracted bus service to provide transport to out-of-catchment students. There are some changes to our routes from September 2020, with 4 routes run and subsidised by The Gryphon School, covering the areas of Yeovil, Sturminster Newton,  Castle Cary, Galhampton, North Cadbury, Queen Camel, Marston Magna, Sparkford, Wincanton, and North Cheriton.

Gryphon Bus Routes 2020-21Download

Further information on how to apply and our terms and conditions can be found below.

Transport provided by The Gryphon School 2020-21Download

Gryphon transport - terms and conditionsDownload

The cost of a seat will be £950 for the academic year payable in full or by twelve instalments.

The school’s current contract for these routes will end August 2022, it is likely that we will re-tender these contracts. Please bear in mind we will make every effort to continue the current routes where financially feasible but cannot guarantee anything past the contract end date. This should be considered when deciding on how your child will get to and from school.

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.

Please note this information is correct as of  May 2020. Alterations to local and national education policy could result in changes to these arrangements.

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 4pm onwards to ease congestion. Students have full use of the LRC up to this time. There is limited parking on site for Sixth Form students and car sharing is encouraged where possible.

Bicycles

The school has bike racks for security, although students will need to bring their own lock.