Every morning, under the bright Durham sky, a stream of pupils makes its way through the historic Cathedral grounds towards Chorister School. They chat, laugh, and take in the stunning views over the river, beginning their day in a way that’s calm, active, and connected.
It’s a daily rhythm that feels timeless, and yet it’s the result of a very modern challenge.
Our school sits in one of the most beautiful and distinctive locations in the country, right at the heart of Durham beside the Cathedral. It’s a privilege to learn and work in such a remarkable setting, but it also means access to our site can be limited. For families navigating busy mornings and tight schedules, the school run can sometimes feel like a puzzle to solve.
Finding the Answer — One Step at a Time
When we first started thinking about the challenges of our school’s location, it would have been easy to see them as a negative. The roads were busy, parking was tricky, and getting everyone safely to school sometimes felt like a daily test. But instead of focusing on what we couldn’t change, we decided to look for what we could — and that’s when the idea of our Walking Bus was born.
Nineteen years ago, our very first Walking Bus set off from our much-loved white gates, making its way to our iconic purple door. What began as a simple idea to make the school run safer and calmer quickly became something much more special. Over the years, our Walking Bus has evolved and grown, and today we’re proud to run five Walking Buses every day, helping children travel to and from school.
Each walk is a moment of connection — children chatting with friends, sharing stories, breathing in the fresh air, and arriving at school ready to learn. For our staff, it’s a lovely way to start and end the day alongside the children, and for parents, it takes the stress out of the school run. What started as a practical solution has become a much-loved tradition that puts wellbeing, community, and joy at the heart of every school day.
Walking with Purpose
This year we joined the WOW Walk to School Challenge, which has added an extra spark of motivation. Run by Living Streets, WOW encourages pupils to walk actively and sustainably, earning badges for their efforts and learning about the benefits of walking for both their health and the environment.
We’ve loved watching our pupils embrace this challenge — proudly tracking their journeys, cheering each other on, and taking pride in travelling in a way that’s kind to our planet. So far, 134 children have earned their October badge. Together, we’re also helping to ease congestion on Durham’s busy roads.
Of course, our pupils are lucky — their walk to school is one of the most beautiful in Britain. Our daily route offers views of the Cathedral, the River Wear, and the chance to spot local wildlife. The walk itself has become part of what makes Chorister School experience so special: time outdoors, shared laughter, and a genuine sense of connection to this extraordinary place.
Turning Challenge into Opportunity
What began as a logistical limitation has become one of our greatest wellbeing successes. We’ve learned that with a little creativity and community spirit, even the most practical challenges can be turned into meaningful moments.
For us, the walk to school is no longer just a journey — it’s a daily reminder of what makes Chorister School so special: a place where history, community, and wellbeing walk hand in hand.
Learn more about our Chorister Commute here: Chorister Commute
