A major drive to encourage thousands of students across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire to visit 200 different railway stations across the country has launched today (Tuesday 18 February).
The project, named Visit 200, is being run in partnership by West Midlands Railway and West Coventry Academy. It offers schools and colleges the chance to arrange special journeys for groups of students to experience new destinations and build confidence in travelling by train.
The scheme is inspired by Railway 200, the nationwide campaign celebrating this year’s bicentenary of the modern railway. The Visit 200 project has its own webpage – built by students from the Academy – which lists destinations to be ticked off during 2025.
Jo Kerr, career counsellor from West Coventry Academy, said: “We want our students to feel confident using the railway network so they can get out and about and gain independence before they leave school. This project is a fun way for all ages to enjoy train travel, from primary school up to college.
“We’re delighted with the uptake we’ve had so far from schools across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire. We look forward to working closely with West Midlands Railway and Coventry City Council to make each visit happen.”
One of the first visits will take place next week when students from the Academy travel to Watford Junction to visit the nearby Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Future visits will involve volunteers from Community Rail Partnerships across the country offering bespoke activities and tours to students.
Cara Higgs, community strategy manager for West Midlands Railway, said: “For many people travelling by rail is an everyday activity but we know some students may never have been on a train before. That’s why we’re excited to launch this project and bring the excitement and opportunities of travelling by rail to children across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire.”
Teachers are encouraged to sign up for their visits at least six weeks ahead of time to allow for travel arrangements.
As part of the scheme, younger students will also be encouraged to put forward designs for a “Station of the Future”, with the best submissions selected for display at the Coventry Transport Museum.
To find out more about Visit 200 and register your school or college’s interest in making a journey, log on to www.visit200.co.uk