Firstly, thank you to those families who have already engaged in discussions regarding our Sixth Form transport offer. For those who haven't yet, we strongly encourage you to give this some thought as we head towards GCSE results day in August.

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.

 

 

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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

---

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.

---

Does a deposit secure a seat?

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

---

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.

---

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.

Parents are asked to consider local residents and not drop off/collect on Church Street at the front of the school. 

 Parents may use the school coach park to bring their child to school from 8:20am. Parents are asked to pull up, drop their child off and leave via the Sports Hub roundabout entrance on the A418. Car drivers should be aware that buses arrive at different times in the morning and must use the shared coach park space considerately.

 In the afternoons, cars are not allowed on site until 3:10pm, after the buses have departed. This is to ensure the safety of all students. Parents are asked to consider timing their arrival at school in the afternoon to avoid blocking the roundabout on the A418 before 3:10pm. 

Buckinghamshire Council school transport information can be found here: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools-index/school-transport/  This link provides further information on free/paid-for school transport, bus passes and bus stops. No student may travel without an authorised bus pass.  

 To check eligibility for free transport, please click here: https://services.buckscc.gov.uk/school-admissions/transport 

 If your child is not eligible for free transport, please use this link to learn more about Buckinghamshire Council’s spare seat scheme. https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools-index/school-transport/paid-school-transport/

Contact Form - https://account.buckscc.gov.uk/service/School-transport-Contact-us

Timetables - Council Run Buses (link)

• Bus MCOT900 | Northall; Horton; Ivinghoe; Pitstone; 
• Bus MCOT901 | Newton Longville; Stoke Hammond; Soulbury; Stewkley Road 
• Bus MCOT902 | Dagnall; Edlesborough; 
• Bus MCOT903 | Littlecote; Stewkley; Carpenters Arms Pub 
• Bus MCOT904 | Cheddington; 
• Bus MCOT905 | Drayton Parslow; Stewkley; Ivy Lane  
• Bus MCOT906 | Wingrave; 
• Bus MCOT907 | Newton Leys; Great Brickhill; Chelmscote; Soulbury; The Boot 
• Bus MCOT908 | Ivinghoe Aston; Slapton; Ledburn; 
• Bus MAS-104 | Swanbourne; Mursley; Little Horwood; Winslow; Granborough; North Marston; Oving; Whitchurch; Hardwick; Weedon; Aston Abbotts; Cublington. This is a commercial route. Families purchase tickets directly from the bus operator. More information can be found here: https://www.masonscoachhire.co.uk/school-buses-transport 
• 650 Red Rose from Aylesbury via Bierton.  This is a public bus. More information can be found here: https://www.redrosetravel.com/timetables/aa11e4eb-f9d2-4ad4-a74c-a926d8f6827c

 

If parents have any queries they should contact the Buckinghamshire Council on their contact form or visit https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools-index/school-transport/ for further information. A missed bus will be counted as an unauthorised absence.

Irrespective of the bus provider, all students are expected to follow the behaviour guidelines noted below. Misbehaviour on school transport may lead to temporary or permanent exclusion from the use of the home to school transport.

• Students must wait until the bus has stopped completely before boarding. They must not surge forward towards the vehicle.
• Students must board and alight only by the main entrance or exit of the vehicle.
• Once the students have boarded, they must not leave the vehicle until they have reached their final destination.
• Seat belts must be worn where available.
• Gangways and exits must not be obstructed and, wherever possible, students must stay seated throughout the journey.
• Students must not distract the driver unless in an emergency.
• Nothing should be thrown within or out of the bus.
• Students must not misuse the emergency door handles or emergency hammers.
• Fire extinguishers should not be interfered with and are to be used only in an emergency.
• Smoking/vaping on school transport is not allowed.
• Passengers must not touch or tamper with any driving controls.
• Litter must not be dropped inside the bus and children should not play music in a way that will cause distraction or nuisance to others. 
• Parents are responsible for any damage caused to the vehicle by their children and
• Will have to reimburse the operator accordingly.

Where a child persistently and/or seriously misbehaves on a school bus, the right to transport provision may be withdrawn.

 Behaviour that is likely to significantly offend, or endanger, others include:

• Damage to the vehicle.
• Actions that may constitute a health and safety risk.
• Assaults on others.
• Verbal abuse of other people includes swearing, taunting, racist, sexist, homophobic comments, threatening behaviour.
• Incitement of others to engage in misbehaviour.
• Making repeated malicious allegations of mistreatment requiring investigation.
• Serious misuse of a bus pass.
• Failure to comply with the reasonable instructions of the driver or school staff.

For more information please see the below websites.

https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools-index/school-transport/school-transport-policy/school-transport-behaviour-protocol/

https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools-index/school-transport/school-transport-policy/terms-and-conditions-of-travel/

Do I need to show my Bus Pass?

Students must have their bus pass with them every time they travel to school.  

Bus not arrived? 

In the morning, students are expected to wait for their bus for at least half an hour. This webpage is updated with problems with transport:  https://closures.buckscc.gov.uk/TransportTrouble.aspx 

Problems with buses not turning up on a more regular basis, or turning up late?

Please contact Buckinghamshire Council on their contact form.  https://account.buckscc.gov.uk/service/School-transport-Contact-us

Missed the bus to school?

In the morning, parents are responsible for getting their child to and from the pick-up points and remain responsible for them until they are accepted onto the vehicle. Students should arrive at least five minutes before the vehicle is due. Ultimately, it is a parental duty to ensure your child attends school. Please ensure your child knows what to do if they miss their bus in the morning. A missed bus is recorded as an unauthorised absence.

Missed the bus home?

The majority of the buses leave just after 3:05 pm each day. The ‘late’ bus leaves at 3:19pm, from the School coach park.  It is not possible for students to use a different bus or travel back to a friend’s house with them. If a student misses their bus home, they must speak to a member of the duty staff (wearing hi-viz jackets) and arrangements will be made with parents/carers to get them home. 

What happens during bad weather?

In the event of extreme weather circumstances, you should check the Buckinghamshire Council website and the school email which will give details of any school closures. 

What if my child leaves something on the vehicle?

Please ask your child to ensure they have all their belongings (clearly labelled with their name) with them when they leave the transport, but if they do leave something behind please contact the bus operator concerned directly and ask for their lost property department. 

• buckinghamshire.gov.uk/check-if-your-school-is-closed/
• buckinghamshire.gov.uk/free-school-transport/
• buckinghamshire.gov.uk/paid-school-transport/
• buckinghamshire.gov.uk/school-bus-timetables/
• buckinghamshire.gov.uk/school-transport/
• buckinghamshire.gov.uk/school-transport/
• buckinghamshire.gov.uk/school-transport/school-transport-frequently-asked-questions
• buckinghamshire.gov.uk/School-transport-Contact-us
• familyinfo.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/send-school-transport/