In my town there are about 30 kids using the school and most of them walk. There aren't very many streets so the longest walk would be from my place, 15 minutes. They'd have to cross 2 minor roads.

If we used that school, I'd let my kids walk on their own as soon as they can show me that they can be responsible, don't go near the road and don't cross even if there is a car going beside where they will cross (T-junction) because you don't know if a car will turn without blinkers. No running or mucking around etc.

I have seen kids on their way to and from the school just being... silly I guess. They have no concern for cars, they don't seem to even realise there could be cars on the road. They randomly run out on to the road, they cross even if there's a car coming, they're just jumping around all over the place. They'd be 10 or 11 too. So I think rather than age, it comes down to the maturity of the kids and where you are.