Following a consultation, Bedford Borough Council is implementing two-tier education provision in the village of Wootton for the 2025/26 academic year.
We have put together some questions and answers to help guide you through these changes.
If I live in Stewartby will I get transport to Wootton Secondary School in 2026/27?
Yes, if you live in Stewartby and are a Bedford Borough resident. All pupils who attend Wootton Secondary School will be eligible for free home to school transport in years 7-11 from the start of the 2026/27 academic year.
If you are unsure if your address is within Bedford Borough you can check on GOV.UK.
If I live in Stewartby will I get transport to other schools in 2026/27?
If you live in Stewartby and are a Bedford Borough resident, you may be entitled to receive free transport to another school, if it is the nearest school to you home address.
Please contact us if you would like us to assess your entitlement to transport assistance to alternative schools. Our contact email address is school.transport@bedford.gov.uk
If you are unsure if your address is within Bedford Borough you can check on GOV.UK.
I live in Wootton and my child is at Holywell School, will I continue to receive transport if I choose for them to stay at Holywell School after the end of Year 8?
Bedford Borough Council has written to all families, resident in Wootton, with children at Holywell School to confirm that transport will cease at the end of Year 8. The year groups affected will continue to have to opportunity to transfer to Wootton Academy for the start of Year 9.
You can choose for your child to remain at Holywell School, however transport arrangements and costs will be the responsibility of the parents/carers. If you have any questions, please contact us by email school.transport@bedford.gov.uk
Can I pay for transport to Holywell School and Marston Vale Middle School in 2026/27?
Bedford Borough Council will not be offering the Spare Seat Scheme on the service that serves Holywell School as we will only commission transport for eligible pupils.
We will not be operating a service from Wootton to Marston Vale Middle School in 2026/27 as there will be no entitled pupils attending that school. Therefore, no Spare Seat passes will be available to buy.
You may wish to explore public transport options here.
How do I access information on Bedford Borough Council home to school transport policy?
The current policy can be accessed via online at www.bedford.gov.uk/schooltransport. The 2026/27 policy will be published in due course.
How do I apply for transport?
If you are a Bedford Borough resident and are transferring to a new school in 2026/27, the schools admissions team will notify us and we will write to you after National Offer Day (2 March 2026) if you are entitled to transport. You do not need to apply. We only write to those pupils who are eligible for assistance.
If you are unsure if your address is within Bedford Borough you can check on GOV.UK.