A DORSET MP is calling for funded school transport to be extended to 16 and 17-year-olds after concerns were raised by students at Purbeck School.
MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, Vikki Slade, visited the school to meet students and see its new Purbeck Complex Communication Base, which supports SEND pupils.
During her visit, Mrs Slade met with the sixth form leadership cabinet and took part in a Q&A with younger students. One issue that came up repeatedly was access to school transport.
Students highlighted that while they are required to stay in school until 18, funding for bus travel currently ends at 16.
After the visit, Mrs Slade raised the issue in Parliament.
She said: "I am deeply disappointed that the Government failed to accept that school transport should be available to 16-17 year olds living too far from their nearest school, instead choosing to make this a local council problem, which is simply unfair.”
Mrs Slade said she will continue to advocate on this issue.
She added: “I was delighted to meet the students at Purbeck School and hear directly from them about the challenges they face.
“Access to reliable transport is a real barrier for many young people, and I will continue to advocate on this issue. Even though we did not get the result we wanted today, I will keep challenging the Government on this.”
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