SCHOOL TRANSPORT FUNDING FOR 16-18 YEAR OLDS IN RURAL AREAS

That this House recognises the benefits of keeping pupils in education or training up until the age of 18; notes the increased costs for pupils travelling vast distances to their nearest suitable centre of learning or training in sparse rural areas, compounded by the lack of existing transport infrastructure; further notes with concern that the increased cost of transport not covered by local authority schemes impacts disproportionately on students from lower income backgrounds, often amounting to hundreds of pounds a year per pupil; and therefore calls on the Government to consider implementing a Rural Sparsity Post 16 Travel Premium to enable these uniquely disadvantaged pupils from rural areas to continue their education without fear of being unable to afford to travel there.