Travel

Getting to and from Windlesham House

Windlesham House is conveniently located in West Sussex with excellent transport connections. Whether you drive, use our local daily school minibus service or make use of our weekly London bus, getting your child to and from school is straightforward.

Where is Windlesham House located?

Windlesham House School sits in the heart of the South Downs National Park near the village of Washington in West Sussex. Despite our rural, peaceful setting, we are easily accessible.

Address: Windlesham House School, Washington, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 4AY

Key distances

  • London 1 hour 30 minutes by car
  • Gatwick Airport 25 minutes by car
  • Brighton 30 minutes by car
  • Worthing 20 minutes by car
  • Horsham 25 minutes by car
  • A24 Direct access from main north-south route

How do I drive to Windlesham House?

By car

The school is easily accessible by car from all directions

From London and the North
Take the M25 to junction 9, then A24 southbound towards Worthing. At Washington roundabout, take the second exit signposted Rock Road. Follow the road for approximately one mile and the school entrance is on the right

From the South Coast (Brighton, Worthing)
Take the A24 northbound from Worthing. At Washington roundabout, take the first exit signposted Rock Road. Follow for approximately one mile and the school entrance is on the right

From the East (Lewes, Eastbourne)
Take the A27 westbound, then A24 northbound at Worthing. Follow directions as above

From the West (Chichester, Portsmouth)
Take the A27 eastbound, then A24 northbound at Worthing. Follow directions as above

Parking

Ample free parking is available on site for parents dropping off and collecting children. During busy times (start and end of each day), we have a one way system around the school to ensure smooth flow. Please follow the signs and keep to the 10 miles per hour speed limited to ensure everyone’s safety. At the beginning and end of each term, parking attendants are on hand to help.

What about public transport?

Train stations

The nearest train stations are:

  • Amberley
    Four miles away (10 minutes by car). Regular services to London Victoria, Brighton and Portsmouth
  • Pulborough
    Five miles away (12 minutes by car). Services to London Victoria, Gatwick Airport and south coast destinations

Taxis from these stations to school cost approximately £15 to £20. We can arrange taxi transfers for international pupils or families who need assistance.

Does the school provide transport?

Daily school minibus service

We operate a daily minibus service for pupils from local areas. Current routes include pickups from Worthing, Horsham and surrounding villages. The minibus service runs Monday to Friday during term time.

The service includes

  • Morning pickup times coordinated with school start
  • Afternoon drop off after the school day ends
  • Experienced, DBS-checked drivers
  • Safe, well-maintained vehicles
  • Seatbelts for all passengers

There is an additional charge for the minibus service. Details of routes, timings and costs are available from the school office.

Weekly London minibus service

We operate a weekly minibus service for pupils live in London and are weekly boarders. This service leaves around 4.30pm every Friday and will arrive in Putney around 6.00pm. On Sunday, the bus will arrive at 4.00pm for a 4.30pm departure back to school.

Airport transfers

For international boarding pupils, we can arrange transfers to and from Gatwick Airport or Heathrow Airport at the start and end of term and during half-term breaks. We work with a trusted taxi company experienced in transporting children. Drivers meet pupils at the airport and deliver them safely to school or collect from school and accompany them to check-in.

Airport transfer services are charged separately and must be booked in advance through our travel office. For more information, please contact our travel office.

What about travel to and from activities?

Sports fixtures

Transport to away sports fixtures is provided by school minibus. Pupils travel with their coaches and teammates and are always supervised by staff.

Educational trips

Educational trips and excursions use chartered coaches or school minibuses depending on distance and group size. All transport providers are vetted for safety and compliance. Trip costs, including transport, are communicated to parents in advance.

Weekend activities

Boarders staying at weekends enjoy regular outings. Transport to cinema trips, bowling, shopping and other activities is provided by the school. Weekend transport is part of the weekend activities fee.

What about traffic and directions?

Sat nav coordinates

For satellite navigation, use postcode RH20 4AY or coordinates: 50.8945° N, 0.5168° W

Please note that some sat nav systems may attempt to route you via narrow country lanes. We recommend following the A24 route described above rather than taking alternative routes through villages.

Traffic considerations

The A24 can be busy during peak times, particularly most mornings as well as Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings. Allow extra time during these periods.

What about overseas travel for international pupils?

International boarding pupils typically travel at the start and end of each term and during longer holidays. We work with families to co-ordinate travel arrangements and can provide

  • Advice on flight bookings
  • Airport transfer arrangements
  • Support with unaccompanied minor bookings
  • Flexible arrival and departure times around flight schedules

For shorter breaks like half-term, many international pupils stay with guardians or host families in the UK rather than traveling home.

Can I arrive outside normal pickup and dropoff times?

Yes, flexibility is important for busy families. Our wrap-around care means day pupils can arrive from 7.30am and stay until 6.30pm. For boarders, weekend departures and returns can be coordinated with family schedules. If you need to collect or drop off at unusual times, please contact the school office to arrange.

Is the minibus service reliable?

Yes, our minibus service is very reliable. Drivers have mobile phones and the school office has contact details for all families using the service. If delays occur due to traffic or vehicle problems, we communicate immediately with affected families. We have contingency vehicles and drivers available if needed.

What if I live too far for regular travel?

Boarding is the ideal solution for families who live too far for daily commuting. We offer full boarding, weekly boarding and flexible boarding arrangements. Many families use a combination – boarding most weeks with occasional weekends at home or boarding during busy work periods and day attendance during school holidays. This flexibility makes Windlesham House accessible to families from across the UK and internationally.

Can someone else collect my child?

Yes, but only with your prior written permission. Pupil safety is paramount, so we only release children to authorized adults. If someone different is collecting your child, please inform the school office in advance with their name and description. We may ask for identification. For regular alternative collectors (grandparents, au pairs, etc.), please provide details at the start of term.

Transport queries

For questions about travel to school, minibus service, airport transfers, or directions, please contact the school office at whsoffice@windlesham.com or call 01903 874700. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 5.00pm during term time.

Road safety

Please drive carefully on the school site and observe the 10mph speed limit. Children are often moving around and their safety depends on cautious driving. Please also supervise your children carefully in the car park.

“The minibus service has been a lifesaver for our family. My daughter is picked up and dropped off safely, and it means we are not doing 2 hours of driving every day. The drivers are lovely and the children enjoy the social time together.” Windlesham House parent