In Catchment

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

In Catchment – Post 16 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. Families apply via William Howard School (Post 16 In Catchment Transport (2024-25) – Online Application Form) and the school then places a request to Cumberland Council for a spare seat.

For details on the scheme please visit the county council’s website: https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/schools-and-education/school-transport

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.

Spare Seat Scheme – The cost of a spare seat for 2024-25 is £538.10 for the full year, payable termly (Autumn £212, Spring £199 and Summer £127.10). Once a place has been arranged, the full payment for that term must be made. Any cancellations must be made prior to the start of the term.

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

Out of Catchment

Routes

We now run four routes through the following locations:

  • 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
  • Carleton / Cumwhinton / Cotehill / Wetheral

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 in order to travel on these routes. Random checks will be made throughout the year.

If a student needs a temporary pass (e.g. visiting a friend who uses one of these routes) or a replacement pass, you must contact the Main Office PRIOR to the day of travel. Temporary passes cost £2.50 one-way, or £5.00 return. Issuing of temporary passes is dependent on space being available.

If a student loses their pass, a replacement pass must be requested from transport@williamhoward.cumbria.sch.uk. These cost £5.

Please note: Transport is a payable service and your account for the academic year 2024-25 must be paid in full before Friday, 1st August 2025. Failure to do this will mean the school is unable to issue a new bus pass. 

Booking and Cancellation

If you wish to start using WHS Transport during the year please contact the Transport Team in the first instance via transport@williamhoward.cumbria.sch.uk or 016977 45700 to check whether there is availability on your preferred route.

Transport charges are calculated on full occupancy of a seat for the whole academic year. Reductions cannot be made for absence due to e.g. illness, school trips etc.

When you sign the booking form you agree that once a place is allocated you are responsible for paying the transport fees for the full academic year (or remainder of the academic year if taking up a place part-way through the year).

Places can only be cancelled in exceptional circumstances, for example, moving house. However, for Year 11 and Year 13 students, places can be cancelled once their exams are complete. Please advise the Finance Office of the date of their last exam when known.

If you do need to cancel the seat booking, you must contact the Finance Office in writing to the above address or email: transport@williamhoward.cumbria.sch.uk. Charges will accrue until we receive written notice of cancellation and the pass (this applies to Year 11 and Year 13 students as well).

Payment

The annual cost of transport for the academic year 2024-25 is £995.

Payment Options (2024-25):

  • Direct Debit (school preferred option) – 12 monthly instalments from 1st September 2024 and every month thereafter – £82.92 per month.  (DD Mandate)
  • Termly InvoiceCharges are: Autumn Term £382; Spring Term £314; Summer Term £299.

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 (made payable to Cumbria Education Trust).

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.

Northumberland County Council Transport

The link below will take you to the Northumberland County Council school transport home page, where you will find a wide variety of information (including their school transport policy which highlights the eligibility criteria for school transport), an application form for school transport and frequently asked questions. Northumberland County Council – School transport