Frequently Asked Questions:
Why are the Brixham school buses being withdrawn in September 2026?
The Brixham College buses have been heavily subsided by the college over a number of years. The school currently pays more than 50% of the price per seat for the current service. The college subsidises further for our students who are siblings. This equates to around £150,000 per academic year.
The bus service has become increasingly expensive to operate, with rising costs over several years, which have not been fully passed to families. This is not financially sustainable for the college and would require an increase in funding from the college budget to continue, which would divert funds away from teaching, learning and student support.
This change ensures resources are prioritised to benefit all students and have the greatest positive impacts on students’ education. While some families have indicated they would be willing to cover the shortfall currently subsidised by the college, doing so would require all families to contribute, which is unreasonable - particularly when public bus services offer a more cost-effective alternative and student numbers are not guaranteed. With overall student numbers expected to continue declining due to falling birth rates in Torbay and Brixham, the cost per child would rise further. Additionally, asking parents to fund the service directly would necessitate annual reassessment, creating an arrangement that is both unpredictable and inequitable.
Why is the cost of the new bus option higher?
The price of the existing service has been significantly subsidised by Brixham College and does not reflect the true cost of running buses. The true cost far exceeds the price of the Stagecoach Term Rider ticket. The Stagecoach Term Rider reflects standard public transport pricing but offers greater flexibility, including travel outside school journeys, at weekends and during holidays across Torbay.
Can public buses be relied upon to run on time?
Stagecoach operates well-established local services used daily across the region. While all transport can occasionally face delays, these routes are designed to support regular commuting and school travel.
As is currently in place, if a bus is late, college has a registration code which means they are identified as the bus being late and does not affect their attendance record. Stagecoach announced a series of changes being introduced across its Torbay bus network from Sunday 24 May 2026, aimed at improving reliability and punctuality while expanding provision for the summer season. “Service 13 – School and college journeys will depart earlier to ensure on-time arrives - a change likely to affect students travelling to and from Brixham. Service 12 – Running times are being revised across all days to improve reliability.”
What routes are available to my child?
Stagecoach operates well-established local services used daily across the region. You can see all details of the public bus routes available to Brixham College students here.
What impact will falling student numbers have on this service?
The number of students using the Brixham College bus is likely to fall, whereby the numbers of children coming into secondary school across Torbay is declining. This will put further pressure on the cost per family for the Brixham College buses to run. The Brixham College buses are currently not at full capacity and currently run at only 88%, there are 266 students currently using the buses.
How will road safety risks for students be managed?
Students will be using established public transport routes operated by Stagecoach, a regulated and experienced provider within our region. Students at Brixham College already use these public transport routes. Families using these buses are encouraged to review routes with their children in advance to ensure they are confident travelling safely.
There is a working party that have launched a campaign for improved road safety measures along Higher Ranscombe Road. Brixham Council and the Mayor are also supportive of this campaign. Students learn about road safety in their Values curriculum and in recorded assemblies. There are responsive student briefing notices and assemblies when concerns are raised nationally.
Why was there no prior consultation with families?
Brixham College investigated whether alternative or combined routes could be used creatively to cut prices. This was not an option. Brixham College does not have money allocated by Government (nor does any school) for their own transport. The cost of the subsidy in place by the College would not be possible to transfer to parents given that it is so great and far extends the cost of travel using the public bases. It would also assume that all families had to continue paying for this service. Therefore, the college had no alternative to provide parents to aid discussions in a consultation. Upon reflection, we accept it would have been appropriate to consult with parents about the impact of this change. The college consulted parents over the past 18 months when they moved to use Stagecoach last year, as well as increase the price of the student contribution by £20 per term last year.
Where will students now be dropped off and collected?
Students that use existing public bus routes, which typically stop at recognised and accessible points across the local area. Families can select routes that best suit their location and travel needs. The majority of students (approximately 60%) who attend Brixham College live in Brixham and a significant number already walk safely to the College.
How will the school ensure student safety, particularly during darker winter months?
The school recognises this concern and encourages families to choose routes and timings that work best for their child. Public bus services are widely used and operate throughout the year. The school will continue to support students in developing confidence and independence when travelling. A significant number of families currently have their child(ren) walk safely to college from home and when using the public bus services.
How will Brixham College support students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) with travel arrangements?
Brixham College recognise that travel arrangements are particularly important for students with SEND, and we take this responsibility seriously. In making this change, we have carefully considered the potential impact on these students and are committed to ensuring they can continue to access education safely and appropriately.
Where a student cannot reasonably be expected to travel independently due to their needs, families may be eligible for additional support, and we will actively support parents in understanding and accessing this. Importantly, eligibility for support is based on a child’s individual needs, not just whether they have an EHCP or attend a specialist provision.
Alongside this, our safeguarding team will work directly with families on a case-by-case basis to understand individual circumstances, provide guidance on suitable routes, and ensure appropriate arrangements are in place. Our priority is that every student, including those with SEND, can attend school safely, confidently, and with the right support in place.
Will there be any financial support or subsidised travel options available?
Some families may be eligible for funded home-to-school transport through Torbay Council, as shared within our letter to announce this change from September 2026. Brixham College has shared application details and strongly encourages eligible families to apply before the 1st of July deadline (later applications will be processed in September).
Families can visit www.torbay.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-transport/apply-for-home-to-school-transport/ to read the ‘Home to School Transport Policy’ and to find out eligibility for free school transport and how to apply. Stagecoach will support families to decide if it is better value to purchase a single, day, week or term rider tickets depending on personal circumstances.
Why was this change not communicated at the recent open event?
We have now completed a full assessment of the options, and the school has communicated the change as soon as arrangements were confirmed. The college did not discuss or distribute any transport contracts for September 2026 whilst the options were being explored.
Will these changes impact student numbers or the future of the school?
Brixham College remains focused on delivering high-quality education and improving outcomes for students. This decision supports long-term financial sustainability and ensures investment is directed into teaching and learning. Approximately 60% of our students live in Brixham. The changes are more likely to affect student numbers who reside outside of Brixham.
What assessment has been carried out on the impact on pupils and their families?
Brixham College has considered its responsibilities in making this decision and will continue to support all students in accessing education safely. An assessment has been carried out by Torbay Council to identify the students that may be eligible for School Transport funding. Stagecoach have carried out a capacity assessment for the public services buses number 12 and 13. Brixham College have carried out an assessment on student numbers on roll and if there were any other schools that provided a dedicated closed bus service.
Has an equality impact assessment and/or safeguarding assessment been completed?
Brixham College has considered its responsibilities in making this decision and will continue to support all students in accessing education safely.
Has the local authority or transport provider confirmed there is capacity on public buses?
Brixham College has communicated with Stagecoach and Torbay Council to ensure that transport provision is understood and can support student travel needs. We continue to work closely with them. Stagecoach have stated that they do have capacity on their 12 and 13. They would continue to review their services based on demand. Stagecoach announced a series of changes being introduced across its Torbay bus network from Sunday 24 May 2026, aimed at improving reliability and punctuality while expanding provision for the summer season.
What support is in place for pupils facing longer or more complex journeys?
Families can choose from a range of routes through the Term Rider, offering flexibility. For those facing challenges, the school encourages direct contact to discuss individual circumstances and signpost appropriate support.
Have alternative bus companies been considered?
The only company that was willing to work with Brixham College was Stagecoach. A private service to Brixham College run by Stagecoach is unviable, however Stagecoach offers a public number 12 and 13 buses which serve Brixham. Stagecoach announced a series of changes being introduced across its Torbay bus network from Sunday 24 May 2026, aimed at improving reliability and punctuality while expanding provision for the summer season.
Will there be space on the number 12 and 13 buses for my child?
Stagecoach have stated that they do have capacity on their 12 and 13. They would continue to review their services based on demand. Stagecoach announced a series of changes being introduced across its Torbay bus network from Sunday 24 May 2026, aimed at improving reliability and punctuality while expanding provision for the summer season.
Are there any other types of public bus tickets my child can travel with?
Stagecoach have said they will work with families to advise if the purchase of single or day tickets are more cost effective.
Are the public buses supervised?
Public buses are supervised by a driver, in the same way that the Brixham College buses currently are. Stagecoach have informed us that their buses have CCTV.
