We’ve adopted a station

Travel skills are an important part of education, giving students the confidence to use public transport and opening up a world of possibilities. That’s why National Star’s latest railway station adoption is so important.

Through a collaboration with Great Western Railway (GWR), students are now undertaking travel training. They are building their skills and confidence to travel independently on a train, from the carpark to their chosen destination. In addition to building knowledge, there is support available from Great Western Railway staff if required.

Student Anna said: ‘I have found the travel training really helpful especially when knowing where to ask for help in case things go wrong. I enjoyed the train journey from Cheltenham Spa to Bristol Temple Meads. I genuinely really enjoyed the travel training.’

In addition to their travel training, students are now working with the GWR team on station maintenance at Cheltenham Spa Station, community gardens and biodiversity, and using station spaces to further develop their life skills.

To mark the adoption, students created a bespoke piece of art that is now displayed at the station’s entrance.

One student said: ‘It feels so good to be part of the wider community and create something that lots of people will enjoy.’