'We're losing students as parents can't afford it' - families forking out hundreds of euro for private transport amid school bus crisis

With the rising costs of living, many families are struggling to keep their children in school due to extensive private transport bills, which can amount to as much as €850 per year. This financial burden is pushing some parents to withdraw their children from education altogether, leading to a concerning impact on student enrollment in schools like Sancta Maria College.

Dr Áine Moran, principal of Sancta Maria College, highlighted the harsh realities faced by families without access to the school transport scheme, stating, 'We have seen students leave because parents simply cannot afford the cost of private transport. This situation puts immense financial pressure on families and directly affects our school community and its future sustainability.'

Read at Independent