Faith school transport

Find out about the future of the discretionary faith school transport scheme.

On this page: 

What has the Cabinet decided?

Councillors from our Cabinet have approved a decision to withdraw all elements of the discretionary faith school transport scheme from September 2027.

What does this decision mean for the faith-based transport scheme?

The decision to withdraw the scheme means that all elements of the discretionary scheme will no longer be offered from September 2027, including:  

  • A discounted annual travel pass for pupils attending a school on grounds of religion or belief where statutory low income eligibility does not apply.
  • Free travel for primary age pupils eligible for free school meals where the chosen faith school is between 2 and 20 miles from home.
  • Extended free travel for secondary age pupils eligible for free school meals, beyond the statutory 15 mile limit up to 25 miles.
  • A large family (sibling) concession, where families attending the nearest suitable denominational school pay for only the two youngest children.


The withdrawal of the scheme also means that the council will no longer contract buses to the faith schools as listed below from September 2027. 

Which school buses will be withdrawn under the proposals?

  • St Edmund Campion, West Bridgford - 448
  • Christ the King School, Arnold - 910
  • The McAuley Catholic High School, Doncaster – 688, 689
  • St John Houghton, Ilkeston – 415, 416
  • The Trinity Catholic School, Aspley – 218, 650
  • English Martyrs School, Long Eaton - 517
  • The Becket School, West Bridgford – 441, 442, 447, 448, 449, 681
  • All Saints Catholic Academy, Mansfield – 213, 214, 215, 217, 219, 221, 224
  • Good Shepherd Primary Catholic Academy, Woodthorpe - 652
  • St Philip Neri, Mansfield – 213, 215, 217, 219, 224
  • The Emmanuel School, West Bridgford - 681
  •  Bluecoat Academy Aspley and Bluecoat Academy, Wollaton – 218, 652
  • National CofE Academy, Hucknall – 413, 414/417
  • Burntstump Seely, Arnold – 710

Why are some faith schools not listed, like the Minster School? 

Some of our school transport arrangements vary due to geography and route configuration. Other schools are not listed because the school transport is not wholly or mainly providing transport for pupils on the discretionary faith-based transport scheme.

Minster School buses are not listed because the school transport is not wholly or mainly providing transport for pupils on the discretionary faith-based transport scheme. However, those who currently travel on these buses under the denominational criteria will need to buy a standard season pass.

Why has the council decided to withdraw the discretionary faith-based transport scheme from September 2027? 

In the last financial year, the discretionary faith transport provision cost approximately £1.25 million. The council contributed £1 million of this cost with the remaining cost coming from parental contributions.

We have made the difficult choice to end the scheme from September 2027 due to the significant financial pressures that we are facing across all services. We have undertaken this review of the discretionary faith-based school travel as part of our efforts to address these financial pressures and deliver a balanced budget.  

We are one of only a small number of councils in the country who continue to offer a scheme like this, with other local authorities withdrawing their similar schemes in previous years. 

What do the changes mean for me and my family?

The withdrawal of the scheme means that those elements of the scheme listed above will be withdrawn from September 2027. It also means that the council will no longer contract school buses to the listed faith schools.

Will these changes affect statutory school transport?  

No. Please be assured that this proposed withdrawal doesn’t affect statutory home to school transport entitlements including extended rights for low‑income families: ie those entitled to free travel on the bus services listed above.

I’m really worried about how my child will get to school from September 2027. What help can I get? 

We recognise that the withdrawal of this scheme may be difficult news for families across Nottinghamshire and that it could have significant impacts on how young people travel to school. 

We will be offering support to families to prepare for and adjust to any changes. This includes: 

A dedicated travel and journey planning service throughout the 2026/27 academic year

From 27 July 2026, you will be able to contact a specialist travel planning team by phone or email to discuss your individual circumstances. As part of this service you will receive advice tailored to you and your child’s situation on:

  • alternative travel options, including public transport routes,
  • ticketing,
  • journey planning,
  • active travel opportunities
  • shared travel arrangements.

From 27 July, you will be able to access this dedicated travel and journey planning support by calling: 07436 176 952 or emailing: [email protected]

An ongoing annual grant to support travel for eligible low-income primary-aged pupils

This grant will be in place to support travel for eligible low-income primary aged pupils who attend faith schools and who would otherwise not be eligible for school travel assistance once the scheme is withdrawn.

Eligibility for this ongoing annual grant would be based on those who receive targeted free school meals.

A grant for one academic year for those in year 6 and year 11 in September 2027

This grant will be in place to support pupils who start year 6 and year 11 in September 2027 to reduce disruption while transitioning to secondary school and through exam periods.

Access to information and support on our website

Our website will be updated with guidance, frequently asked questions, travel information and updates throughout the transition period. 

Ongoing engagement with schools, diocesan partners and transport providers

We will continue to work closely with diocese across Nottinghamshire, schools and transport providers to support you and monitor impacts throughout the transition period.

Did you consider other options as part of this review? 

Yes. As part of our review into this discretionary scheme, we considered and consulted on four options for the future of the scheme. These options were:

  • Option 1: No change to discretionary policy
  •  Option 2: All elements of the discretionary faith transport offer would be removed from September 2027 onwards.
  • Option 3: All elements of the discretionary faith transport offer would be removed from September 2031
  • Option 4 – Parents pay an increased contribution towards bus passes