Central Bedfordshire Council Approves New School Transport Policy

Central Bedfordshire Council’s Executive Committee has approved changes to its Home to School Transport policy, which will come into effect from September 2026. Here's what it means for you:

Under the new rules, the council will only provide free mainstream home to school transport to a child’s nearest suitable school. While parents will still be able to choose a school for their child, those opting for a school further away may no longer be eligible for free transport.

The council has confirmed an exception for siblings. If a younger child joins the same school as an older sibling and their time at the school overlaps, they will continue to receive transport support for the duration of their time there, or up to Year 11.

Cllr Steve Owen, Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:

“Today’s decision makes the policy fairer to all families, and makes the best use of public money whilst meeting our statutory duty. Parents still have a choice about where to send their children, but it is important to factor in travel costs if they choose a school that’s not the nearest to their home.”

The policy change follows an extensive public consultation earlier this year and aligns Central Bedfordshire with national guidance and neighbouring authorities, including Bedford Borough, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, and Northamptonshire.

Home to school transport is one of the council’s largest areas of expenditure, alongside adult social care, children’s social care, and waste management. The council says the change will help manage rising transport costs while allowing savings to be invested in improving educational outcomes.

Important notes for parents:

• Existing transport arrangements will continue until pupils leave their current school (or up to Year 11).

• The changes do not affect children with an Education, Health and Care Plan, pupils placed at a school by the council, or those aged 16 and over.

Parents are encouraged to check eligibility for free home to school transport when applying for school places for September 2026.