CHILDREN who do not get a place at their first-choice school will not be penalised by proposed cuts to free school bus transport.

Oxfordshire County Council is consulting on plans to stop free bus travel to students living more than three miles from their school when there is one nearer to their home.

Headteachers have said the plans could be “devastating” and lead to a fall in student numbers, job losses and even school closures.

County council spokesman Owen Morton said: “Should a family apply for their nearest school as their first preference, but we were unable to offer their child a place at that school because it was oversubscribed, they would then be offered free transport to their next nearest available school.”

But independent councillor for Wallingford Lynda Atkins said: “On the basis of what I’ve seen so far, I don’t think the plans are a very good idea.”

The proposals will also increase concessionary school bus charges to £180.40 per two terms for affected students. The current price is £164.

County Hall hopes to save £340,000 a year once the plan is fully rolled out and said 200 students could be affected in the first year.

The consultation runs until July 3. For details, see oxfordshire.gov.uk.