We are very pleased to confirm that Country Lion will continue to provide our school transport provision for the next academic year, starting September 2026. Through the contract, we have been able to secure only minimal annual price increases, which is positive news. However, despite this, there will still be an increase in the overall cost of running our school transport provision next year.

We are very aware that any increase in bus fares places additional pressure on families at a time when many household budgets are already stretched. With this in mind, we are pleased to confirm that our Board of Trustees has agreed to approve a subsidy of £95,000 towards the cost of school transport.

This is a significant financial commitment for the school, particularly at a time when schools nationally are facing increasing pressure on their budgets. However, we believe it is the right decision for the coming year. It reflects our commitment to supporting families as far as we reasonably can, while also recognising the difficult financial climate affecting both schools and households. This subsidy has been agreed for the 2026/27 and is reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees as part of our wider budget-setting process.

Although we know that any increase will still have an impact, we hope that this substantial subsidy will help to reduce the level of increase passed on through bus fares and provide some reassurance for families as they plan for the year ahead.

Bus Routes 2026/2027

All existing buses departing school at 3:45pm remain the same. These are as follows:

Route	Cost per month *	Total cost for 2026/2027
N1: North Route : Brixworth, Kingsthorpe, Moulton, Overstone Gate	£98.00	£1,080
N2: South Route : Wootton, East Hunsbury, West Hunsbury, Far Cotton, Billing Road	£92.50	£1,025
N3: East Route : Billing, Ecton Brook, Ecton, Blackthorn, Rectory Farm, Southfields, Lings, Northampton College	£92.50	£1,025
N4: West Route : Duston, Weedon Road	£92.50	£1,025
N5: Central Route : Harlestone Road, Kings Heath, Spencer, Town Centre	£92.50	£1,025
N6: Express Route : Hunsbury Meadows, Upton, St Crispin, Hopping Hill	£92.50	£1,025
N7: Villages Route :Roade, Blisworth, Milton Malsor, Collingtree, Grange Park, Wootton Fields, Hackleton, Horton, Great Houghton	£100.50	£1,105
*Cost per month is over 10 months (as per ParentPay payment plan) after £100 deposit paid

Maps of each route, with stopping points and times are detailed in the documents below.

 

Late Bus Service

From September 2026, we will continue to offer our late bus services on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with buses departing school at 5.00pm. We know how valuable this provision is for students who take part in after-school activities or need to remain in school later in the day.

Please note that late bus services will not be available on Thursdays or Fridays.

The information outlined below provides the details of the locations that will be served by the two late buses that will be in operation from September 2026.

• 5:00pm Bus 1 : Moulton, Kingsthorpe, Kings Heath, Duston, St Crispins, Banbury Lane, Camp Hill, West Hunsbury, East Hunsbury, Grange Park, Wootton and Wootton Fields
• 5:00pm Bus 2 : Boothville, Blackthorn, Ecton Brook, Bellinge, Little Billing, Standens Barn, Billing Road, Mounts, Spencer Bridge, Briar Hill, Far Cotton, London Road

 

Free School Meals or Pupil Premium Funding

We are pleased to confirm that the level of financial support available to students who are eligible for Free School Meals or Pupil Premium funding has been increased.

We know that school transport costs can place pressure on family budgets, and we want to ensure that eligible families are aware of the support available to them.

To apply for this support, or to find out more, please contact our Finance Office by emailing finance@nsg.northants.sch.uk. Alternatively, you can contact main reception on 01604 679540 and ask to speak with a member of the Finance team, who will be happy to help.

Applying for a place on the school bus

If you would like to apply for a place on the school bus for the next academic year, please complete the application form here by 9.00am on Friday 26 June 2026.

Please note that a separate form will need to be completed for each child wishing to travel on a school bus.

Priority will be given to existing students. Applications received after 26 June 2026 will still be considered, but if your chosen route is full, your child will be placed on a waiting list.

To secure your child’s place, a deposit of £100 must be paid through your ParentPay account by Friday 10 July 2026.