Cornwall councillors call for review of “unfair” school transport policy
A number of Cornwall councillors have voted to support a review of what they describe as an “unfair” school transport system, after concerns were raised that families are being treated differently depending on which secondary school their children attend.
The current Home to School Transport policy means some pupils in rural areas receive free transport, while others from the same villages — and in some cases even the same family — are required to pay for the same bus journey.
In some instances, children travelling on the same council-arranged bus are subject to different rules, depending on their designated school place.
“Same bus, different rules”
Cllr James Mustoe, Conservative member for Mevagissey, brought a motion to Cornwall Council calling for a review of the admissions and transport system.
He said the situation in his area highlights the inconsistency in the current approach.
“If a child applies to go to Poltair and not Penrice, they don’t get funded transport… If they apply to Penrice and it is full, they would get funded transport on the same bus to Poltair if this was their second choice,” he said.
He added that in some cases siblings in the same household are treated differently under the policy.
“There has even been a situation where a sibling has had funded transport and another sibling has not.”
Calls for a fairer system
Cllr Mustoe argued the policy is no longer fit for purpose and suggested both Penrice and Poltair schools should be designated options for Mevagissey families due to population changes in St Austell.
He said the issue had been repeatedly passed between departments, adding:
“For the families having to live with the consequences of this policy every day, the buck stops with Cornwall Council.”
Labour group leader Cllr Kate Ewert, who seconded the motion, said similar concerns were being raised in other parts of Cornwall.
“There are deep frustrations concerning the issue… we are told the only way to change the policy is through a vote in this chamber. So here we are.”
“Historic anomalies” in the system
Cllr Dan Rogerson, Liberal Democrat cabinet member for transport, acknowledged problems with the current arrangements.
“I think this is long overdue a look and I’m happy to do that,” he said, describing “historic anomalies” in school designations.
Other councillors raised wider concerns about fairness and consistency across rural communities, where pupils attending different schools at similar distances can face different transport rules.
However, some warned that changes could come with significant financial implications. Cllr James Ball said:
“We have to draw a line somewhere when we’re talking about Home to School Transport. The cost implications could be huge for this council.”
Rising costs and growing demand
Cllr Hilary Frank, cabinet member for children, families and schools, said any reform would need to balance fairness with affordability.
She highlighted rising expenditure on school transport, noting:
“In 2019 our Home to School Transport bill was £19 million. In 2025/26 the bill was £35 million.”
Despite this, she welcomed agreement that the policy should be reviewed.
Vote in favour of review
The motion calling for a review of the policy was passed by 44 councillors, with 12 voting against and 11 abstaining.
Councillors say the focus now will be on whether Cornwall’s school transport system can be made more consistent and fair for families across rural communities.