A BRADFORD school said its 'existence would be threatened' if proposed Council cuts to bus services are approved.
Bradford Council launched a consultation on proposals to withdraw school bus routes to St Bede's and St Joseph's Catholic College (SBSJ) and Bingley Grammar School from September 2025.
The proposal has sparked an outcry from parents across the district.
Petitions have been launched and one school community is rallying to fight the proposed cuts.
In a letter to councillors, Lawrence Bentley, headteacher at SBSJ, which has a site in Heaton and a site in Manningham, said the school is "proudly diverse" and that its current demographic "reflects that of the city more than any other school within the area" and says: "The school is rich with students from over 30 different ethnicities and welcomes students of many faiths or none."
“St Bede’s and St Joseph’s draws students from every part of Bradford, and the bus service is our lifeline,” he said.
“We save the Council money in every respect, by offering the young people of Bradford not only a world-class education but also outstanding welfare support tailored at those who need it most."
Mr Bentley added: “Reducing our transport provision will harm our ability to do this, and in the long run threatens our existence entirely.
“Crucially, to preserve the Catholic Church’s involvement in the school, SBSJ needs to be able to draw on Catholic families and communities from across the district.
“If we cannot do this, our existence is threatened and it is likely that the church will seek to dispose of the school building if it withdraws from providing an education here.
“This is not only devastating for us: it is a problem for the Council, who will have to find 290 extra secondary school places per year. It also reduces the city’s sixth form/FE provision significantly.
“There is no detail in the budget proposals on how either of these additional costs will be offset.”
Monseignor Paul Grogan, episcopal vicar for Catholic education in the Diocese of Leeds (which includes Bradford) and Parish Priest of the Parish of Mary, Mother of God, in Wibsey, said: “We are appealing for the Council to reconsider this proposal because the impact of this proposed cut would be deep and far-reaching.
“The key question is: does Bradford Council value religious schools? We know that lots of parents do. That is why they send their children to St Bede’s and St Joseph’s from all round our city.
“We have several high schools in Bradford but only one which is Catholic.”
Councillor Matt Edwards, the Leader of the Green Group on Bradford Council, is also challenging the decision.
During a recent Council meeting, Cllr Edwards questioned the wording of a report that suggested: “The existence of these services has enabled parents, in many instances, to choose a particular school that is not their local one.”
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Edwards said: “I really didn’t appreciate the language in the report. For many parents, sending their children to Catholic school isn’t a choice.
“Parents and guardians in the area I represent tell me that they send their children to St Bede's and St Joseph's because they want their children to have a Catholic education.
“The Council’s own policy on school transport claims to respect religious belief but if that is the case how could this even be on the table?
“There used to be other Catholic secondary school in Bradford but when the Yorkshire Martyr’s School off Westgate Hill Street was closed, parents were told school buses would be available for their children. But now the Council is back peddling on this promise.”
Mr Bentley also questioned whether the bus cuts would save the Council money, suggesting that falling school attendance and a loss of school places could cost the Council "a lot more" than the proposed savings.
“We will certainly be making this point very strongly and urge them to reconsider this decision," he said.
A spokesperson for Bradford Council said: “This public consultation gives people the opportunity to suggest alternatives and share their view on proposals and gives pupils, families and residents a say in shaping services.
"Any changes, if agreed, would not take place until September 2025.
“As a Council we are facing unprecedented financial challenges.
"We need to save money and must look at all options. The proposals to change school travel arrangements, including the removal of dedicated bus services to Bingley Grammar School and St Bede’s and St Joseph’s Catholic College could save Bradford Council in excess of £0.5million a year and bring our offer in line with national policy.
“Comments on the proposals can be shared on the Council’s website or by emailing schooltravelconsult@bradford.gov.uk."
To sign the petition about the proposal, visit bradford.moderngov.co.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=760
The consultation can be viewed at https://bradford.moderngov.co.uk/mgConsultationDisplay.aspx?ID=757
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