On the Isle of Sheppey, a stark reality is emerging for families as more than 60 Year 7 students are set to face grueling commutes in order to attend secondary schools that are up to 30 miles away. These commutes, starting at 6 a.m. for some children, can take up to two-and-a-half hours, revealing a profound challenge for families on this isolated island.
The closure of the main secondary school on the Isle of Sheppey in the summer of 2023 has left many parents and students in a difficult position. The new schools built to replace it, Leigh Minster Academy and ECK Sheppey School, only offer 330 places in total, leaving 60 students with no option other than to travel long distances for their education.
Samantha Bird, a parent of one such student, was in “utter shock” when she found out her son Harry would need to commute to The Abbey School in Faversham, a journey that will cost the family around £1,550 per year. This includes a £560 bus pass and a £990 flexible train ticket. “He was up until 2 a.m. crying when we found out; I couldn’t even shield him from my own upset. I was crying as well, it was utter shock,” Bird recalled, illustrating the emotional weight of the news.
Moreover, parents fear the impact on their children’s development and social lives. Jilly Marshall Howells, whose child also faces a daunting commute, described the situation as “ludicrous.” “If you drew a straight line from us to Faversham, it’s only 5 miles, but we have a lot of water in between us,” she expressed, highlighting the geographical challenges these children face.
Steph Coleman, whose grandson Colton will have to leave home at 6:20 a.m. to catch three buses to St Augustine’s School in Maidstone, echoed these sentiments. “Even if they went straight there on a bus, I don’t think they’d be in school on time because of how bad the traffic is going in both directions. It was horrifying, absolutely horrifying,” she said. The effects of lengthy commutes on children, especially given their age and the anxiety that can exacerbate their fears, raises serious concerns among parents.
As frustration mounts, many families are now pushing back against what they feel is an unfair system. The Kent County Council has stated the reduction in school places was a decision made by the Department for Education prior to the last general election, leaving local authorities with limited control over admissions. A Council spokesperson indicated that ongoing discussions are underway about adding 30 additional places to local schools, but this still leaves 30 students in limbo.
Education experts are also voicing their concerns. Eleanor Harris from The Difference, an education charity, described the situation as a “comedy of errors” that ultimately denies children access to education. “Children can’t learn if they’re not in the classroom, and the likelihood is that they are less likely to make it into the school,” she cautioned.
Greg Smith MP, shadow minister for transport, criticized the extended daily commute children now face, stressing that such a burden is “clearly unacceptable.” He remarked, “To ask them to travel nearly five hours is clearly an unacceptable burden on their day and will undoubtedly impact their educational concentration.” The recent decisions have left students tired and potentially less able to focus on their education, which is of great concern for parents and policymakers alike.
In response to these criticisms, a Department for Education spokesman stated, “Decisions relating to school places on the Isle of Sheppey were taken under the previous government.” This response has not eased the worries of many parents who feel their children are being left behind in an educational system that is supposed to prioritize their needs.
Following the avalanche of concerns raised, Kent County Council announced on March 21, 2025, that they will be able to open 30 more places on the Isle of Sheppey, yet this still does not address the complete issue, as the remaining 30 students will still need to travel far for education.
As this story unfolds, it’s clear that the plight of Isle of Sheppey families highlights deeper issues tied to educational governance, transportation, and the societal expectations surrounding youth development. With children feeling the brunt of these decisions, both parents and advocates continue to seek equitable solutions that prioritize the well-being of these young students.
