Faith school transport

Find out about the proposals being considered by our Cabinet for the future of the discretionary faith school transport scheme.

On this page: 

What has happened since the consultation closed at the start of June? 

The consultation closed on 12 June and we received a significant number of responses from parents, carers, schools, multi academy trusts and diocesan partners. Since the consultation closed, we have carefully reviewed all of the feedback received and have undertaken work to understand the potential impacts on families.

We have also looked at alternative options for each school to consider any additional support that could be offered to families affected if the current scheme changes.

What happens now? 

Any changes to the current discretionary scheme will need to be approved by Cabinet. The Cabinet will meet on 16 July to consider and discuss a recommended proposal to withdraw the current discretionary scheme from September 2027. 

What are the proposed changes to the faith-based transport scheme?

Following our review, we are proposing to withdraw the discretionary faith-based transport scheme from September 2027. This proposal will be discussed and considered by Cabinet on 16 July where a formal decision will be made. 

Under this proposal, 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 proposed withdrawal of the scheme would also mean that buses to most faith schools will no longer be in operation. 

Which school buses will be withdrawn under the proposals?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 – 668, 669
  • 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 – 215, 219, 224
  • The Emmanuel School, West Bridgford - 681
  • Bluecoat Academy, Aspley – 218, 652
  • National CofE Academy, Hucknall – 413, 414, 415/417
  • 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 travel on these buses under the denominational criteria could expect a rise in their transport costs under the review.

Why are you proposing to make changes to the discretionary faith-based transport scheme? 

In the last financial year, this discretionary faith transport provision cost approximately £1.25 million.

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 these proposed changes mean for me and my family?

The proposed withdrawal of the scheme means that all elements of the scheme will no longer be offered from September 2027. It also means that school buses to faith schools will no longer be in operation and so families will need to organise alternative transport arrangements. 

Would these proposed 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 proposed 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. 

If the proposed withdrawal of the scheme is approved by Cabinet, 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 1 August 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.

We will provide more information about this service and how to get in touch after the Cabinet meeting on 16 July. 

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 lose school travel assistance if the decision is made to withdraw the discretionary faith school transport scheme. 

Eligibility for this ongoing annual grant would be based on those who receive extended rights 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

If the Cabinet decides to withdraw the scheme, we will continue to work closely with diocese across Nottinghamshire, schools and transport providers to support you and monitor impacts throughout the transition period.

How can I find out if the scheme is withdrawn?

We have written to all parents of young people who benefit from the discretionary faith transport scheme to let you know that Cabinet will be considering the recommended withdrawal of the scheme on 16 July. 

We will write to you again after this meeting has taken place to let you know the outcome. In this letter we will also be able to signpost you further to our proposed support measures. 

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

How can I find out more about the report going to Cabinet on 16 July? 

You can visit our council meetings section of the website to find the Cabinet report which will be considered on 16 July.