Central Beds Cuts to School Transport

Central Bedfordshire Council have announced changes to their school transport policy

From September 2026, Central Beds will only provide mainstream home to school transport to a child’s nearest suitable school. The decision follows an extensive public consultation which ran earlier this year.

Parents are advised to check eligibility for free home to school transport when applying for a school place for September 2026. Parents will still have a choice of school depending on the school’s catchment area, but the change will mean that the child may not be eligible for free school transport.

Central Beds Executive Committee said they recognise the importance of supporting families and will make an exception for siblings. Where a younger child joins the same school as an older sibling and their time at the school overlaps, they will continue to receive school transport for their entire time there (or up to Year 11).

The decision means that Central Beds Home to School Transport policy is now in line with national guidance and neighbouring authorities.

Home to school transport is one of our four largest areas of expenditure, alongside adult social care, children’s social care and waste management. The decision to change the policy aims to protect frontline services.