Last updated: August 2026
Short answer
What has been agreed
Stagecoach has confirmed a twice-daily service linking Singleton with the secondary school's purpose-built site, starting 30 August 2026 - in time for the start of the new school year. The route is registered on the government's bus registration service and will operate as the 501, 501E or 501C.
How the campaign got here
- September 2025 - the purpose-built school site opens with no public transport link.
- Early July 2026 - parents launch a petition for a dedicated bus service.
- 21 July 2026 - around 30 campaigners gather outside the school, warning a child could be hurt on the designated walking route.
- 30 July 2026 - Stagecoach confirms the new service. The petition had reached roughly 5,000 signatures, and United Learning, the trust running the school, backed the campaign.
Why parents pushed so hard
Kent County Council said the walking route from Singleton had been assessed twice - morning and afternoon - by its regulation committee appeal panel and declared safe, so no statutory school transport was required. Parents disagreed, describing the route as too long, badly lit and risky in winter. Conservative county councillor Bill Barrett, who joined the protest, argued the problem would only grow as the school fills up.
Until now most families have driven, which also added traffic to local roads at peak times. Campaigners said a bus would let pupils travel independently.
What it means going forward
The school had around 274 pupils in three year groups at its June 2026 Ofsted inspection and is expected to reach about 1,140 when full, so demand for the route should grow year on year. Families should check timetables and fares directly with Stagecoach before term starts, and keep an eye on how the service beds in during the autumn term.
Sources
- BBC News - School bus launches in Ashford after parents' safety concerns (30 July 2026)
- KentOnline - Victory joy for Chilmington Green bus campaigners (30 July 2026)
- BBC News - Campaigners claim lack of school bus leaves children in danger (22 July 2026)
Frequently asked questions
When does the Chilmington Green school bus start?
Stagecoach has said the twice-daily service between Singleton and Chilmington Green School will start on 30 August 2026, in time for the new school year.
What is the bus route number?
The route has been registered on gov.uk and will run as the 501, with 501E and 501C variations.
Why was there no bus before?
The purpose-built secondary school site opened in September 2025 with no public transport link. Kent County Council had assessed the walking route from Singleton twice and declared it safe, so no statutory transport was provided. Parents disagreed, saying the route was too long, poorly lit and unsafe in winter.
How many pupils does the school have?
Around 274 pupils across three year groups at the time of the June 2026 Ofsted inspection, rising to about 1,140 when the school is full.