Isos Partnership: Understanding the drivers of demand in Home To School Transport

This report examines the rising demand and costs of home-to-school transport in England, focusing on both mainstream pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Overall spending increased from £1.02 billion in 2014–15 to £1.08 billion in 2017–18, with most councils overspending their budgets. This rise is driven primarily by SEND transport, which now accounts for around 69% of total expenditure, due to a sharp increase in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), more complex needs, and longer travel distances to suitable schools.

While total pupil numbers receiving transport have slightly declined, this masks a shift: fewer mainstream pupils are supported due to stricter eligibility rules, while SEND numbers are rising. Local authorities have reduced mainstream provision to statutory minimums and adopted cost-saving measures such as improved commissioning and income generation.

Key cost pressures include population growth, housing changes, school closures, reduced public transport, and market factors such as higher wages and fuel costs. Rural areas face particularly high costs due to longer distances and limited transport options.

Looking ahead, spending could reach £1.2 billion within five years. The report concludes that the system may be financially unsustainable without national policy reform, particularly around SEND demand and funding.

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