Headteachers of two Catholic schools have urged Kirklees councillors not to axe a transport subsidy for pupils attending faith schools.

Currently, primary school children attending a Catholic school two miles from their home and high school pupils going to school three miles away get free bus passes to and from school.

But the council is proposing to save £228,000 on school transport costs, which will see the end of the subsidy for those attending faith schools.

Kevin Higgins, headteacher of St John Fisher, and Anita Bodurka, headteacher of All Saints college, made a deputation to Cabinet and raised fears of the impact on Catholic education.

Mr Higgins said: “We know this is a really difficult time for you, but on behalf of our community we ask this part of the plan does not become a reality.”

He went on to outline several implications if the subsidy was axed, and said parents would struggle to meet the extra cost to continue their child’s Catholic education which could then mean pupils relocate to other schools.

Mr Higgins asked if Kirklees has the school places to deal with it.

Clr Shabir Pandor.

Clr Shabir Pandor thanked the two headteachers and said: “We will be considering a report from officers at the next Cabinet meeting on January 27 which seeks approval to begin formal consultation on the withdrawal of the discretionary element of travel support for faith schools.

“If the Cabinet decides that a consultation should take place, I would encourage you to participate fully in that process so that the views you have expressed today can be included. And the petition you have handed in today can be part of that process.”

The petition was signed by 1,100 people, it remains open for people to support.