Council leaders have voted to approve major changes to home-to-school transport that will see students starting Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (QEGS) from September 2027 lose access to free school transport.
Westmorland and Furness Council's Cabinet approved the new Children and Young People's Home to School Travel Assistance Policy 2027-28 and the Post-16 Transport Policy at a meeting held in Appleby on Tuesday morning.
Before the vote, the Headteacher of QEGS urged Cabinet members to reconsider the proposals, highlighting Penrith's unique situation where the same school bus currently serves both QEGS and Ullswater Community College (UCC).
He warned that the changes would disadvantage families choosing QEGS, with pupils starting secondary school from next year set to lose their entitlement to free home-to-school transport.
In his address to Cabinet, the Headteacher said the council could face a legal challenge if it approved the plans to withdraw free transport for eligible QEGS pupils.
The cabinet members stressed that the changes would not impact existing students who currently receive home to school transport.
Despite those concerns, Cabinet members voted to adopt the new policy.
The recommendations were seconded by Penrith North councillor Bell, who told the meeting she was pleased to support the proposals.
All ten Cabinet members present voted in favour of approving the new transport policies, meaning the changes will now come into effect, ending free home-to-school transport for some pupils attending QEGS from 2027.
Councillor Janet Battye, Cabinet Member for Children's Services said:
"These changes ensure consistency, fairness and legal compliance while allowing us to support those most in need.
Also, with rising costs, we must bring the policy in line with Department for Education guidance. If we do nothing, this service, delivered as it is, would not be financially sustainable in the future.
Parents can still choose any school, but they will need to factor in making their own transport arrangements, with any associated costs, if they have chosen not to attend the nearest school and have eligibility for free transport under the statutory walking distance.
We want to reassure parents and carers that the new policy only comes into effect from September 2027. The existing service carries on until then. The new policy does not change where children can go to school – that remains entirely a parent's decision, and we have maintained support for low‑income families to ensure support is directed to those who most need it."
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