Opting for ‘distance’ education

Tom Duke lives just around the corner from Ellesmere College, but the 17-year-old travels more than 80km each day to attend Christchurch Boys’ High School.

He opted for the hour-long commute when his family relocated to Leeston nearly four years ago and took two buses, one to Lincoln and another from Riccarton, until recently, when he sat his restricted driver licence.

His mother, Chrissie Rutland, said it would be ‘‘a lot easier to change schools’’ but thought he was getting a good education in town, even if it meant leaving home before 7am.

‘‘I’m pleased I did leave him in [Boys’ High], I think he has achieved higher being there.

It’s a long way to go, but we looked at Ellesmere College as well. We didn’t hear good stories.’’

Rutland said she was also considering sending her 8-yearold daughter Isabelle, currently at Leeston Consolidated School, to a Christchurch city high school ‘‘if Ellesmere still isn’t what we want’’.

‘‘I do think in town has the best options.’’