Decision
Analysis
outcome: The recommendations were approved.
summary: The decision at stake is the approval of the Post-16 Student Transport Policy for mainstream education for the 2026/27 academic year, including a travel grant for eligible students.
topline: The Children, Families and Young People Cabinet Member has decided to approve the Post-16 Student Transport Policy for the 2026/27 academic year, including a travel grant for eligible students.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves financial support for students attending further education or school sixth form provision, which is not a statutory requirement.
affected_stakeholders: ["Students", "Parents", "Colleges", "School sixth forms"]
contentiousness_score: 5
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://northlincolnshire.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1631
Decision Maker: Children, Families and Young People Cabinet Member
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose:
Content: 5 POST-16 STUDENT TRANSPORT POLICY – MAINSTREAM EDUCATION 2026/27 – The Director Communities submitted a report seeking approval for the Post-16 Student Transport Policy – Mainstream Education for the 2026/27 academic year and for the Council to enter into a Grant Offer Letter with participating colleges and school sixth forms, setting out the terms and conditions of the grant and the associated monitoring arrangements. The proposed policy provided for a travel grant of £374.57 per eligible student for learners of sixth form age attending mainstream further education or school sixth form provision, where they lived more than three miles from their place of study which is an additional benefit to North Lincolnshire parents and not a statutory requirement of the policy. North Lincolnshire Council published annual post-16 transport policy statements. This report was related to the mainstream post-16 student transport policy for 2026/27. During the 2025/26 academic year, transport support was provided to 902 students who lived more than three miles from their institution and travelled between home and college or school sixth form provision during term time. Under Section 509AA of the Education Act 1996, the Council was required to prepare and publish an annual transport policy statement setting out the arrangements it considered necessary to facilitate the attendance of people of sixth form age receiving education or training. The statutory framework did not require North Lincolnshire Council to provide free transport in all cases, and parents and learners may be expected to make a contribution towards costs. The proposed arrangements were intended to support continued participation in education and training, provide flexibility for students and families, and promote the use of sustainable transport wherever public transport was available. A Grant Offer Letter had been prepared for the Council, participating colleges and school sixth forms. This set out the terms and conditions of the grant, including the basis of payment, use of the grant, and monitoring arrangements. Resolved – That the Post 16 Student Transport Policy – Mainstream Education for the 2026/27 academic year, including a travel grant of £374.57 for each eligible student, be approved, and (b) that the proposal for North Lincolnshire Council to enter into and sign the Grant Offer Letter with participating colleges and school sixth forms, be approved.
Date of Decision: July 14, 2026