The decision by Oxfordshire County Council to discontinue the Spare Seats Scheme has sparked significant concern among parents across the county. This scheme allowed families to purchase seats on school buses for children not eligible for free transport, provided space was available. However, the council recently determined the program to be economically unviable, excluding many children from utilizing it. Following extensive parental backlash, the council has now voted unanimously to reconsider this decision.
Asha Gill, whose daughter attends Marlborough School in Woodstock, expressed her worries over the disruption caused by the scheme’s termination. “We were removed from the Spare Seats Scheme last year, and a private service was introduced as a replacement. However, that service is coming to an end this month after just one year. With the school year about to end, we have very little time to find an alternative, leaving our children stranded,” she said.
Broader Impacts on Education
Ruth Trevitt, a teacher and parent, also criticized the decision’s repercussions on south Oxfordshire schools, including Larkmead, John Mason, St Birinus, Didcot Girls, and Europa. Trevitt highlighted the already strained transport systems, particularly a volunteer-based bus club at Europa School that had previously operated in collaboration with the council. “Both this provision and the spare seats are being discontinued despite the benefits of transporting more students together, which has been cost-efficient,” she noted.
Trevitt also expressed concerns about a perceived push by council member John Howson for students to attend only their nearest schools. She warned that this approach could limit parental choice and jeopardize unique educational offerings such as the immersive language programs at Europa School, which serve families from areas including Wantage, Oxford, and Abingdon.
Political Perspectives
Conservative leader Eddie Reeves, who supported the motion to review the scheme’s cancellation, criticized the Liberal Democrat-led county council. He accused them of failing to find an adequate solution for schools impacted by the decision, including Marlborough School. “This council is abandoning a socio-financially and environmentally sound policy that’s been in place for 30 years, causing immense distress among families across Oxfordshire,” Reeves stated.
Reeves also noted growing concerns from other schools such as Chipping Norton School and Europa, as well as residents of Chinnor who are grappling with similar issues.
Council’s Response
In defense of its actions, Oxfordshire County Council explained that the scheme’s removal from certain routes was due to a decline in the number of students eligible for free travel. “It is not the case that all withdrawn spare seat routes are being replaced by commercial providers,” the council clarified.
A spokesperson added, “When there are insufficient numbers of eligible students, we explore opportunities with commercial transport operators. Discussions with third parties are ongoing, and updates will be communicated to parents in the weeks ahead.”
For families affected by the changes, Wantage has a number of local transport options and services that may help address school commute needs. Explore these services in the Transport, Taxis & Couriers section of our directory. If you’re a local business offering solutions for school transport, create a free listing by visiting our Submit a Directory Listing page.
