A SCHOOL will provide free transport to its sixth form students after almost 80 per cent said £600-a-year travel costs could prevent them from staying on.

Wolsingham School and Community College has promised to cover the cost of bus passes for its new sixth form students due to start in September.

The issue had been highlighted by Year 11 students at the school many of whom are planning to return to complete A-levels in the school’s sixth form.

Tristan Delf (CORR), assistant headteacher and the leader of the sixth form, said he was delighted with the school’s decision.

He said: “This is a fantastic move and should be a big benefit to young people in the dale.

“We have pupils from around Weardale and being in such a rural area means travelling can be a big cost.”

Currently sixth form students must pay between £170 and £200-a-term for travel.

And Mr Delf said the cost to families with several siblings at the school would be even greater.

He said: “Unfortunately, we could not introduce it for our current sixth form, but we hope to continue the scheme for future years.

“We have been wanting to do something for a while and have been pedalling behind the scenes to make this happen after the issue was raised by pupils and parents.”

The announcement was welcomed by Year 11 pupils who are starting to sit their GCSEs.

Lewis Milner: "This is a big bonus, Wolsingham Sixth Form was already my first choice, but this makes the decision even easier."

Year 11 pupils Nathan Gray and Matthew Patterson agreed that the free travel will enhance their opportunities to learn.

Nathan said: "I have always wanted to continue my studies at Wolsingham Sixth Form, the fact that now I don’t have to worry about the travel costs means I can focus on my learning."

Student Milly Kelly praised the school for taking the Year 11 concerns seriously.

She said: “I am really pleased that Wolsingham Sixth Form listened to our views.

“I can now benefit from everything that the sixth form has to offer."