We understand that the current transport situation is both new and unexpected. Please be assured that we have been working tirelessly with parents, students, and our Governors to find solutions to the lack of transport available for our Post-16 students. This is not a situation we had any control over, and we have responded rapidly to support our students' continued journey, ideally with us.

While this offer is in its infancy and will be subject to change, it is not without financial risk to the school. We value the relationship we have with our students and their families, and we are committed to supporting as many of you as we can. It is our intention to use a mixture of commercial transport services through a local company and our own in-house capacity using a newly leased minibus.

We are already exploring ways to develop this offer for the next cohort of Post-16 students, who will begin the process as early as the Autumn term when we hold our Sixth Form Open Evening.

We thought it might be useful to share some of the emerging issues with you. Providing this context should help you appreciate the decisions we are making.

Below is a selection of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) we are receiving.

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Can the route pick me up from another location?

Based on initial expressions of interest and historical data, we have plotted a number of routes that we believe will maximise the number of students we can support. This is, of course, subject to students meeting the entry requirements and accepting an offer to join the Sixth Form, which won't be clear until after GCSE results day.

You may wish to consider driving to a nearby village that will act as a collection point.

If you make a deposit and we are unable to accommodate your request, we will refund you.

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Can I take a seat for part of a year?

Procuring commercial services and investing in new vehicles carries a financial burden for us. To make this financially viable, we require a commitment for the whole academic year.

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Does paying a deposit commit me to taking up a full-price seat?

Any deposits will be refunded if your child does not meet the entry criteria for Sixth Form or decides to take up a place at another Post-16 provider.

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Do I have to pay all the money upfront?

We appreciate that this is a significant financial commitment for families. In line with other commercial bus routes to local schools, we will be offering a term-by-term payment option. Please bear in mind that some terms are longer than others, so the cost per term will reflect this.

You will also have the option to pay in full at the start of the year.

Payment link: https://i.paydit.io/to/cottesloe-school/6thformtraveldeposit

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Can I only use the route in the mornings?

As with other commercial routes for schools, there will be no option to purchase a one-way ticket. Seats will be charged at the full price regardless of whether your child uses the service in the morning and/or afternoon.

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Does a deposit secure a seat?

Yes, we are taking payments on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Can my child get a subsidised seat or free travel if they have protected characteristics?

The school is already subsidising the cost of the seats. We have significant frustrations around both local and national policy regarding funding for Post-16 travel, including for those students who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

This link may be of use to you if your child has an EHCP: Post 16 travel for SEND students

There are also a number of local foundations and charities that support families and students who may be willing to assist with travel costs.

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A deadline for commitment to taking a seat will be required by 1st September 2025 for the full academic year.

We will continue to update you over the summer period, particularly in and around GCSE results day and the subsequent discussions about Sixth Form offers.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we strive to help students continue their already successful journey with The Cottesloe School.