Parents React to School Bus Service Cancellation
Parents have expressed surprise and frustration over the decision to discontinue dedicated school bus services for Brixham College at the end of the current academic year.
Currently, 266 students utilize these buses, which operate at approximately 88% capacity.
Several parents reported they were not consulted about the proposed changes. Some indicated that had they been aware of the transport issues, they might have reconsidered enrolling their children at the college.
Financial Considerations Behind the Decision
Brixham College stated that it subsidizes over 50% of each bus seat's cost, with additional discounts for siblings, resulting in a total subsidy exceeding £150,000. The college described this level of financial support as unsustainable, warning that continuing it would divert funds from teaching, learning, and student support services.
The college also affirmed its commitment to collaborating with parents to provide assistance to those affected by the changes.
Parents Voice Concerns Over Impact
Amie, a parent based in Paignton with a child attending the college, highlighted that the dedicated transport alleviated safety concerns by eliminating the need for children to use public buses.
"It is quite a long walk up to school. So, potentially, some of the kids around here are looking at a nine-and-a-half or 10-hour day. When you are thinking about where to send your child to school, that wouldn't be something I would choose for him.
"That's quite a big deal, it's a long day."
Rupert, another Paignton parent with a child at the college, criticized the timing of the decision amid the cost of living crisis.
"This is lumping a massive problem during the cost of living crisis onto people who can't afford it.
"I have to say it has soured the relationship between the college and the parents, which is such an own goal."
College Statement on Bus Service Changes
Brixham College commented:
"In light of rising costs and increasing financial pressures facing schools, and after very careful consideration, it is sadly no longer sustainable to subsidise the current bus service without impacting investment in teaching and learning.
"We must prioritise our resources where it has the greatest impact for all our students' education and wellbeing.
"We understand this will impact some students who use the service, and are working closely with families, transport providers and the local authority to provide as much notice and support as possible ahead of this transition in the new academic year."
The college recommended that students use the existing public bus routes 12 and 13 operated by Stagecoach. It also noted that children with special educational needs and disabilities might be eligible for additional support.
Stagecoach and Local Authority Responses
The dedicated school buses are operated by Stagecoach.
Stagecoach acknowledged the concerns raised by parents regarding safety and capacity following the move away from dedicated college transport.
"We understand the safeguarding and capacity concerns that have been raised by some parents regarding the move away from dedicated college transport.
"Public bus services safely carry thousands of passengers across the region every day, including many students travelling to and from education settings.
"Stagecoach will continue to work with local partners to help students transition onto the wider local bus network and to make best use of available capacity on existing services."
Torbay Council stated that the decision to end the dedicated bus service rests with the college and advised parents to discuss the matter directly with the school.
However, the council acknowledged that the change presents a "challenging situation" for those affected.
It added:
"Council officers are actively working to consider and mitigate the impacts of these changes on our community and, where possible, will work collaboratively with Brixham College to support the safe and effective management of these changes."
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