St Richards transport debate latest

CHANGES in school transport funding for faith schools have been set out for the benefit of parents by St Richard's Catholic College principal Tony Campbell.

Writing in the July newsletter, distributed before the end of term, Mr Campbell says: "As you will see, it does not affect any Catholic child already in the college or beginning in September 2007 - they will still receive free transport until the end of their secondary education at St Richard's.

"Unfortunately, pupils beginning in September 2008 will be affected by the 'compromise arrangement' reached by the cabinet of East Sussex County Council."

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Currently, children attending church-aided primary and secondary schools are entitled to free transport subject to distance and religious qualification.

The county council's policy from September 2008 will be:

*Children from low income families attending denominational secondary schools will receive free transport with no upper distance limit

*Children from other families attending denominational secondary schools will qualify for limited assistance provided they live more than three miles from the nearest/designated denominational schools, subject to qualification on religious grounds

*Children qualifying for support under the above clause will be required to contribute towards the cost of transport

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*Children from low-income families attending primary schools will continue to be entitled to free transport based on a two-mile minimum distance

*Children attending a denominational school in July 2008 will continue to receive assistance to that school based on the current policy. If their circumstances change their entitlement will be determined on the current policies