Transport

If you live within the catchment area for WHS, all school transport queries should be directed to the Cumberland Council School Transport Team:

Tel: 01228 226428 or 0333 240 6965    Email: school.transport@cumbria.gov.uk

https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/schools-and-education/school-transport provides information on the Council’s transport policy and how to apply for it.

If a student lives within the catchment area and needs a temporary or replacement bus pass, you must contact the Council’s Transport Team as WHS Finance are unable to assist.

Behaviour on School Transport

Cumberland Council transport support

Transport within the school’s catchment area is organised by Cumberland Council. For students entering Sixth Form, Cumberland Council operates a Spare Seat Scheme. This offers any spare seats on catchment routes to Sixth Form students. However there is no guarantee given by the council that a seat will be available.

For the forthcoming academic year (2026-27), Cumberland Council request that all parents/carers of Post-16 students apply directly to the Council for a space. A seat, if available, will be allocated prior to the start of the academic year.

This Post-16 Transport Application Form MUST be completed in all cases and returned to school.transport@cumberland.gov.uk. Your email will be acknowledged confirming receipt.

The charge for 2026/2027 is yet to be determined. The charge for a Post 16 spare seat for the 2025/2026 academic year is £655 per annum, payable in termly instalments:

• autumn term – £258
• spring term – £243
• summer term – £154

The timeline of the process is detailed below:

• Apply by Friday 17^th July 2026
• Applications must be made on the attached form and emailed to the Council’s Transport Team school.transport@cumberland.gov.uk.
• Seats will be allocated in order of time and date of application
• Parents will be contacted by 7^th August to advise if a place is available; this will include an invoice for payment
• Payment will be due by 21st August 2026
• A Travel Pass will be issued week commencing 24^th August 2026 by first class post
• If payment is not received by 21st August, the seat will be allocated to the next student on the waiting list

The availability of a Post-16 seat is determined by the number of students with a statutory entitlement to transport, and there being sufficient unallocated seats on a contracted vehicle within the PSVAR regulations. Demand for spare seats often outstrips supply, but they are offered as a concession. A minority of students do qualify for a seat under the terms of the Council’s home to school transport policy, but this is limited to those from low-income families, or those with an EHCP where there is a stated transport need.

Information about the scheme is available on the Council’s website How to apply for the Spare Seat Scheme | Cumberland Council.

Post 16 Transport Policy

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All young people continuing their education post-16 must reapply for travel support.

Free transport for students from qualifying ‘low income’ families will continue – apply via Cumberland Council. Free transport will continue to be available for qualifying students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities – apply via Cumberland Council.

If you have queries about post-16 transport, please contact transport@williamhoward.cumbria.sch.uk

• Aldi (London Rd) / Scotby / Durranhill / Lakeland Gate / Croft Rd / Linstock
• Greystone Rd / Stanwix / Lowry Hill / Kingmoor / Harker / Houghton / Brunstock
• Top of London Rd / Cumwhinton Rd / Parklands / Scotby
• Aldi (London Rd) / Mally Close / Carleton / Cumwhinton / Cotehill / Wetheral

Places are available on a first come first served basis taking into consideration the bus stop requested – seats on our WHS routes are in no way guaranteed, you must have an alternative method of getting your child to school should you not be successful in gaining a seat.

Once allocated, your place will be reserved on your chosen route each new academic year, unless you tell us you no longer require transport. This is to ensure all current users have priority over students wishing to use the service for the first time.

Passes

Students must have a pass, issued from Shuttle ID, in order to travel on these routes. Scanned passes are tracked and recorded daily.

If a student loses their pass, a replacement pass must be requested from transport@williamhoward.cumbria.sch.uk. There may be a charge for this.

Please note: Transport is a payable service and your account for the academic year 2025-26 must be paid in full before Friday, 31st July 2026. Failure to do this will mean the school is unable to issue a new bus pass. 

For parents/carers that have opted to pay by invoice, these will be raised during the first week of each term and are due for payment within 30 days. Payments can be made via ParentPay, BACS Transfer, or by cheque (details will be shown on invoices).

Please contact the Finance Team on 016977 45700 if you have any issues making payment.

Please note that Year 11 and 13 students will receive a discount to reflect the period of service that will not be used, that is, between the end of the exam period and the end of the summer term. Periods of study leave remain chargeable in full.

Failure to pay for transport will mean the school may refuse transport. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, please contact the Finance Team to discuss your situation and agree a repayment plan on manageable terms.