Communication provided from Rutland County Council:
As per our previous update, Rutland County Council would like to continue to remind parents and carers of the deadline of 15 January 2026 to apply for primary school places. With one week left, it’s really important to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure that school places and transport arrangements can be planned in good time before the final deadline. Full details are available on our website, for any families in need of information or guidance: www.rutland.gov.uk/admissions
Encouraging parents and carers in your Ward to submit applications early will help ensure school places and transport arrangements can be planned smoothly.
We have also informed families of an upcoming change to the Council’s Home to School Transport policy, which will take effect from the start of the 2026/27 academic year. From this date, eligibility for school transport will be based on compulsory school age. This means that children may be entitled to travel assistance from the term after their fifth birthday, subject to eligibility.
The current arrangement, which allows some four-year-olds to receive transport support, will end when the new policy takes effect.
The updated policy also includes changes to how transport is provided from alternative addresses in split family situations, as well as revised arrangements for pupils with special educational needs. These updates ensure the policy aligns fully with statutory guidance and means our funding can be spent fairly on those who need it most.
Further details about the changes and the full policy can be found on the Council’s website: https://www.rutland.gov.uk/roads-transport-parking/transport/school-transport
Parents and carers who require additional help or guidance can contact our Transport Service by emailing: transportadmin@rutland.gov.uk or calling 01527 722 577, if they need to discuss their individual circumstances further. They will need to apply for the child’s transport themselves, and it’s important that they do this as soon as possible to ensure that the best support possible can be provided.