Essex County Council scraps transport subsidy for “faith schools”

A school bus subsidised by Essex County Council which took pupils to two "faith schools" has been scrapped. The county council will no longer help fund the service from Canvey and Benfleet to St Thomas More and St Bernard's Catholic schools in Westcliff.

The service is currently offered at a subsidised rate of £330 per pupil a year. From September, new pupils will have to pay £990 directly to the bus company, or find alternative transport. Pupils already at the schools will continue to get the subsidy until they finish Year 11. The council also says it will subsidise low income families.

A spokesman from Essex County Council said: "Following a recent, extensive consultation, the county council has taken the decision to remove the subsidy for travel to faith schools for new entrants. Families may be able to purchase a seat on these services direct from the transport provider."