HEADTEACHERS are urging parents not to act rashly and pull their children out of schools after free transport was axed.
Schools with city-wide catchments will be the worst affected by the change in policy, which comes in from September next year.
Heads are fearful the change will see parents move their children to schools nearer their homes because of rising transport costs.
Angela Martinson, head- teacher of Newland School for Girls, which takes girls from across East Yorkshire, said: "We would say to parents, 'don't be rash'. If you are sending your daughter to Newland because that is your school of choice then we will do everything we can to make sure that transport is available and that it is reasonable and affordable."
Hull City Council's cabinet voted to only pay for journeys it is legally obliged to but there will be extended rights for low-income families.
The move has disappointed headteachers, who say they will now do everything they can to keep dedicated school services.
Mrs Martinson said: "Having this come in 2014 gives us a chance to plan and put our own transport in place.
"We must get our children to school."
One of the main concerns from parents in the consultation process would be the loss of a dedicated school bus service.
Mrs Martinson says the school is committed to carrying on that service.
She said: "We will work really hard to provide that.
"We will have to make some charge, we know that, but we would like to make that as low as possible."
A meeting has been set up today between staff at Newland and St Mary's College, which is around the corner in Cranbrook Avenue and also has a city-wide catchment.
The schools are looking at ways they may be able to work together to get both sets of pupils to school safely.
Ged Fitzpatrick, headteacher at St Mary's College, said: "We have now got to look at the implications of this.
"My fear is hard-working families who are just above the bread-line are going to be hit hard and that is greatly disappointing.
"We need to ask ourselves, as a city, having spent the past ten years at the bottom of the league tables, what are our plans for raising attainment?
"Having just had £400m investment from central government, to affect a saving of just a few hundred thousand is greatly disappointing.
"I understand the local authority is under pressure to make cutbacks, but my question is, where is the vision of education standards?
"I am determined parents won't be let down further."
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