Supporter comments

If you prefer a non-religious school but a religious one is closer, you will not get any help travelling the extra distance. Why should there be a public subsidy when the situation is reversed?

Stephen, from LEEDS

The faith industry has too strong a hold on the British public funded education system as it is. We shouldn't be subsidising the discrimination still further by paying for children to be bused past their local school to a faith school several miles away.

Ian, from BLACKBURN

My local authority provides school transport to the nearest school (if over three miles). If you are attending a faith school and are eligible for the National Extended Transport policy this is extended to a school up to 15 miles away. I am pleased to say that free transport for all to attend faith schools (when not the nearest school) was removed in 2012. Local authorities and government should not be subsidising faith schools in this way.

Jo, from DURHAM

My daughter was denied a place at a school only 50 metres from our house, on the basis that at four years old she had not chosen to follow the Catholic faith. We now walk two miles to our next nearest school whilst the street we live in becomes a car park for the oversized cars and SUVs Transporting all these 'devout' four-year-old Catholics from miles away. Surely it would be better for the environment for all children to attend the school closest to home?

Christian, from NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

Im very surprised to Learn that UK law allows religion to dictate how a child may be judged to be eligible, for transport to school. This is complete nonsense and religion should have no part in plays our schools.

Oliver, from EXETER

This is so unequal. Why should a particular religious belief, or lack thereof, mean that parents and children (who may not even hold the same beliefs as their parents) are treated differently from those with other beliefs?

Paul, from CHELMSFORD

Parents' wishes for their children to attend faith schools should not be subsidised by the taxpayer.

Philip, from MEDWAY

When our son won a scholarship to a grammar school, we had to pay for a shared taxi to get him there. This was not a faith school so there was no funding available to subsidise this cost. If people wish to choose a faith school over a nearby secular state school, then they should be prepared to pay for that choice, not expect financial assistance.

Andrew, from ST ALBANS

Remove the Equality Act exemption that allows any discrimination in school transport policies

Jeremy, from CREWE

Subsidising transport to distant faith schools, which is a parent choice and not the responsibility of local government, is an appalling use of public funds!