New fares 'an attack on Catholics'

David Todd, of St Philip Howard Catholic High School, described the decision to charge future pupils 90 a term to get to and from lessons as a major blow to one of the most successful schools in the county. As reported, senior county councillor Mark Dunn has decided that the fare '“ with a 60 reduced rate for primary school children '“ will take effect from September 2008.

It will only apply to new pupils. Existing ones will continue to benefit from free transport by train and bus. Means-tested exemptions will also be used.

But Mr Todd said Cllr Dunn's decision would badly affect the Elm Grove South school with its 800-plus students. 'The average cost (of transport) per pupil per year for St Philip Howard is 200 less than other schools, because the majority of pupils simply travel one or two stops on the train.

'This decision will force more parents to drive their children to school, a far less environmentally friendly option that will bring Barnham to a standstill,' he said. 'Other parents whose children travel by train will not be able to afford the charges to be levied by the county council from 2008. Their children will not be able to access the Catholic education to which they are presently entitled in law. It is a discriminatory decision that will deny many children their entitlement on the grounds of parents' income.'

Mr Todd argued that the county council's claim, that the 860,000 cost of transporting children to church schools last year would be saved by the fees, was a myth. He claimed that only some 60 per cent would be saved and that would take several years to achieve. 'It seems the council are happy to incur the wrath of Catholic parents for this saving,' he stated. The transport fares would amount to a double charge on the mums and dads. They already contributed more to the education of their children, through collections at their churches, than other parents.

This was because St Philip Howard and other voluntary aided schools had to find up to 20 per cent of the funds for capital projects and computer investment. Mr Todd stated: 'St Philip Howard struggles to provide the amenities and facilities that other schools can take for granted. Despite that ... we are doing a good job.'