Buses and transport

Travelling to the academy on foot, by car or by bus

All students must enter the academy via Hillcrest Drive.

On foot

Students residing locally are encouraged to walk to the academy.

By car

We aim to be environmentally conscious and therefore discourage parents from dropping-off their children by car where possible. This is especially important at peak times in the morning and at the end of the academy day to safeguard our students and reduce congestion that can be difficult for our neighbours.

The main gates to the academy are closed during drop-off and pick-up times to allow students to enter and exit the academy safely. Should car transport be unavoidable, access to the site is restricted between 8.15–8.45am and 3–3.30pm.

By bus

The 442 school bus service is run by CT4N and operates between Bestwood Village and The Holgate Academy.

Nottinghamshire County Council is responsible for this service. The route for this service can be found below:

From 23 February 2026, this bus service will operate on a bus pass only basis. For further information and guidance, please visit the Nottinghamshire County Council website using the links below:

Under 16 travel

Under 16 mainstream travel assistance | Nottinghamshire County Council

Post 16 travel

Post 16 mainstream travel assistance | Nottinghamshire County Council

Travelling to the academy by bike, scooter and skateboard

Under no circumstances are e-scooters, skateboards or similar items allowed in the academy.

The Holgate Academy actively supports healthy travel options and, as such, we seek to support any student who wishes to cycle to school. To this end, we do provide a secure bike storage area that is locked and monitored by CTTV. However, bikes are brought onto the academy site at the students’ own risk.

The academy has clear rules and expectations about the safety of the bike and the safe use of the bike. Students who wish to ride a bike to school must do so using a road-legal bike and follow all academy rules regarding the safe use of bikes on site.

On site: (On site is the physical area of the grounds enclosed by the green fencing and accessed via the various green gates)

• Upon arrival, all riders must dismount and walk their bikes to the bike shed.
• All bikes must be stored in one of the two bike sheds.
• When departing, the bike must be walked until off site.
• All cyclists must exit via the Hillcrest gate once the bulk of students have left.
• Under no circumstance should a student ride their bike on site.

Failure to comply with these requirements will result in a bike ban of between a week or longer and communication with parents/carers. Repeat offenders may be seen by the School Police Liaison Officer.

Students may only bring roadworthy bikes to the academy, meaning:

• Safe tyres
• Reflectors
• Helmet
• Reflective jacket or bands.
• Working front and rear brakes – this is a legal requirement.
• Lights as appropriate to the time of the commute – this is a legal requirement.

Students should not arrive on site with a bike that is not roadworthy. Parents/carers will be informed should this case arise.

The academy reserves the right to conduct regular but random bike checks. The academy also reserves the right to not allow a bike to be used if it is deemed illegal or unsafe. The bike will be kept safe until a parent/carer can collect it.

Safety first!
1. All pupils are recommended to wear a helmet and have suitable reflective material such as a jacket or sash when cycling.
2. All pupils are reminded that there is a legal requirement to have working lights on a bike between sunset and sunrise.
3. All pupils are reminded that bikes should be road worthy and that there is a legal requirement to have working breaks.