Austin Gillingham, a Somerset child with special needs, was eagerly anticipating his first day at Preston School Academy in Yeovil this September. The school bus routes directly past his home, offering an ideal and convenient way for Austin, who suffers from anxiety and depression, to get to school. However, just eight weeks before term started, Austin’s parents were shocked to learn that their son was not eligible for a spot on the bus, forcing them to drive him instead.
Tom and Charlotte Gillingham have publicly appealed to Somerset Council to reconsider, accusing the authority of contradicting its own climate emergency commitments by forcing unnecessary car journeys. Their concerns were voiced during a meeting of the council’s children and families scrutiny committee on September 22.
Mrs. Gillingham explained that when applying for school transport, they used the council’s “Find a School” tool, which identified Preston School as their closest catchment option and feeder school. After confirming with school staff that the bus passed their house, they assumed Austin would qualify for a seat. However, the council later informed them that Austin’s catchment school is Westfield, which is farther away and despite the bus passing their house, he was denied free transport.
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Adding to the frustration, children living just next door in East Coker benefit from free transport to both Preston and Westfield schools, highlighting inconsistency in policy application. When the family inquired about purchasing a bus seat, the council cited “accessibility laws” as the reason it could not accommodate Austin — despite there being available seats on the bus.
Mrs. Gillingham emphasizes that the council should better utilize available bus capacity to support families and reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions. Currently, the family must leave their home alongside the school bus to avoid traffic delays, only to drive behind it in separate cars. This routine adds two hours of driving daily, creating around 36kg of added CO2 emissions each year.
The situation has taken a significant emotional and logistical toll on Austin and his family. His parents have had to rearrange their work schedules to manage the school run, adding stress to their household. For Austin, who copes with high anxiety and depression, the disruption has made starting secondary school more challenging.
The Gillinghams also highlight the broader environmental implications and express disappointment that the council’s actions seem at odds with its declared climate emergency stance. They call on the council to reconsider its decision and allow Austin to continue attending Preston School with the support of free bus transport, enabling him to thrive in a familiar and supportive environment.
In response, Councillor Heather Shearer, responsible for children, families, and education, acknowledged the family’s concerns and assured them that a detailed written reply would be provided. Councillor Leigh Redman, chair of the scrutiny committee, also promised a thorough response and offered to facilitate a meeting with the relevant council officers to address the issue.