Who pays for transport cost when son attending college one day a week (age 14-16)?

ANNIEHAHA

My son is going into year 10 (age 14) and will be attending a construction course in September one day a week instead of taking 2 of the 5 expected GCSE options.

We live in Norfolk and the college is quite far away, the school is saying the students will have to get a public bus and we are to cover the costs.

The normal school bus is just for students and if you live out of catchment only then do you pay to use this facility.

Just wondered if this was the school or parents responsability? As this is an option the school are giving to parents n place and equivelent of 2 GCSEs.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

newcook

I suppose it depends who's decision it was to take the course instead of the gcse option - if its your son who chose this route then I would say you would need to foot the bill but if its the schools decision I would say they should provide transport (even if its pick up/drop off at school)

ANNIEHAHA

It was offered by the school, they are saying there is not enough students taking the courses on offer so they wont be putting on a mini bus.

My son has decided to do this course as it is what he wants to do and 5 GCSEs is setting him up to fail.

I assumed it was the school as surely the students are still under their direction even at college!

shop-to-drop

As above if it was his/your choice that he take this option then it's down to you to cover cost but if it is the schools choice and no other option then they should pay.

This is the general rule with transport to secondary school if you choose a school other than the nearest option you pay travel costs. It is a major expense of our household but it was our choice as if we had chosen the nearest school they could have walked.

shop-to-drop

ANNIEHAHA wrote: »

It was offered by the school, they are saying there is not enough students taking the courses on offer so they wont be putting on a mini bus.

My son has decided to do this course as it is what he wants to do and 5 GCSEs is setting him up to fail.

I assumed it was the school as surely the students are still under their direction even at college!

If funding the bus will cause you hardship I would speak to the school again and ask if they can fund it from 'hardship funds' if you feel the course will be particularly beneficial to your son you can use this to support your case that he should go.

silvercar

It may be worth speaking to the local education authority school transport department. If this is the nearest college that offers this course they may agree to fund transport.

Tiddlywinks

I don't really understand the question... why can't you fund the transport to college?

He is your child and he will be doing something he wants to do.

Why do some parents automatically expect everything to be provided for them?

ANNIEHAHA

I am not EXPECTING the school to fund it, but it's all about their grades and by sending my son there ticks 2 GCSEs for them. The School has a responsibility to his education as do I.

We are low income and I cannot take him there as I have to work at the school he goes to.

Why is there always someone who reads things the wrong way and accuses people of things they have no idea about on here! I'm mearly asking a simple question and asking about the SCHOOLS responsibility not asking for assumptions on my parenting.

GwylimT

As he/you have chosen for him to attend a college which is not the nearest available school/college you will have to pay for his transportation.

Of course he wont be under schools direction at college, just as he will not be under the colleges direction while at school.

poet123

It is just an option they have offered, you are choosing to take up that option knowing what that entails, so you will be expected to cover the costs.

Colleges routinely take 14 year olds now, some come with school staff, others do not. They are treated and expected to behave as if they were any other student. There may be a fund available from the college for transport so I would ask at Student Services what help is available.

mrcow

ANNIEHAHA wrote: »

I am not EXPECTING the school to fund it, but it's all about their grades and by sending my son there ticks 2 GCSEs for them.

It's got nothing to do with "ticking" GCSEs for the school. It's his qualification, not theirs. In three year's time, he'll be long gone and it will make no difference to them what he took.

If you are in financial difficulty, speak to the school. They will have support in place for low income families.