Medway Council has issued advice to children and young people around safe travel, as well as to families preparing to apply for their child’s first school place.
With roads getting busier following the start of the new term, our Sustainable Transport team would like to remind residents of ways to stay safe when travelling:
- Eyes up – avoid distractions, put phones away whilst walking and cycling.
- Prepare – For those children beginning to walk independently, walk the route with your child before the first day, identifying safer places to cross.
- Time – Allow extra time. The school run and daily commute can be very busy, allow time so you don’t feel rushed.
- Cross safely – Encourage children to stop, look, listen and think when crossing the road. Always find a safe place to cross, such as a pedestrian crossing or a place where you can clearly see in all directions and hold younger children’s hands.
- Cyclists – Make sure your bike is road worthy and always wear a helmet.
- Be seen - if walking or cycling, wear fluorescent or reflective clothing to ensure you’re seen by motorists, cyclists and other pedestrians.
Whilst the council encourages families to choose active travel where possible, if your journey is too far to walk, please consider parking safely away from the school and walking the final 10 minutes of your journey. This can help reduce congestion, improve safety around the school gates and contribute to better air quality.
Some schools also organise a walking bus, giving children the chance to walk with friends and enjoy an active start to the school day. For older pupils travelling independently, please consider using the bus services available.
As part of our commitment to making school streets safer, the school streets scheme will become active again, meaning temporary vehicle restrictions at drop-off and pick-up times during the school term. You can learn more about the scheme and find the full list of school streets here.
Chance to build healthy habits
Cllr Alex Paterson, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Highways and Enforcement, said: “The new school year is a chance to build healthy habits. Walking, cycling or scooting can have a positive impact on your child’s physical health, mental wellbeing and readiness to learn, helping them arrive at school feeling alert and prepared for the day ahead.
“And for those families who have no option but to travel by car, please park a few streets away from the school gate and continue your journey on foot to reduce congestion, pollution and make everyone’s journey safer.”
Primary school applications
Primary school applications for students starting in September 2027 opened today (Tuesday, 1 September 2026) and close on Friday, 15 January 2027.
Please use all 6 preferences available to give you a greater chance of being offered one of your preferred schools.
Find out more about applying for a primary school.
Secondary school applications
Secondary school applications for students starting in September 2027 opened today (Tuesday, 1 September 2026) and close on Saturday, 31 October 2026.
Find out more about applying for a secondary school.
Parents and carers living in Medway must apply through the Medway Council website, even if they want to apply for schools outside of Medway.
Refreshed and ready for another fantastic year
Cllr Tracy Coombs, Portfolio Holder for Education, said: “I hope everyone has enjoyed the summer break, and are refreshed and ready for another fantastic year.
“For those submitting school applications, I would like to urge parents and carers to ensure they receive their email confirming that their application has been received. You can email our team at Admissions@Medway.gov.uk throughout the process.”