Archangel powers independent travel for East Kilbride ASN school.

Sanderson High School in East Kilbride, an additional support needs (ASN) school, faced a challenge. Many pupils felt anxious about travelling independently, both to and from school and in everyday life.

The head teacher recognised the need for a safe, supportive solution — and partnered with Archangel to introduce GPS pendant devices to help pupils travel with confidence.

Using technology to support independence

By pairing location-enabled wearable devices with the Archangel digital care platform, the school could:

• Track pupil location and safety in real time.

• Allow direct communication between pupils and teachers via a built-in SOS button.

• Support pupils gradually as they learned to travel independently.

This was delivered as part of the school’s Wider Achievement Programme, with pupils introduced to public transport in small steps — one bus stop at a time.

Results and impact

The programme delivered impressive results:

• 50% increase in alumni able to travel independently on public transport.

• Greater pupil confidence and acceptance within the community.

• Introduction of an SQA ‘Independent Travel’ qualification.

The initiative was also recognised nationally, with Sanderson High School named a finalist in the Empowering Children and Young People Award at the Holyrood Digital Health and Care Awards.

A positive difference

Sanderson High School’s head teacher summed it up:

“The pupils have more acceptance and confidence in the community as they are using public buses as opposed to school buses. They are more independent and they are gaining a life skill.”

Archangel CEO Tom Morton added:

“The partnership has delivered a positive impact on the wellbeing and confidence of pupils using public transport and highlights the versatility of mobile digital telecare and its application within an education setting.”

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