Rising costs impact school access in the UK and Zimbabwe

Families in the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe are facing rising costs to ensure children can access education.

In Essex, UK, parents report being forced to pay nearly £1,000 per child annually for school bus transport. This surge is attributed to a lack of available places at local schools, such as Ramsey Academy, which necessitates travel to schools further afield. Some families have also noted the removal of government-backed bus fare caps on specific services. Central Connect Transport, which operates several services in the region, reported a turnover of £24.96 million for the year ending March 2025.

In Zimbabwe, parents at Riverton Academy Extension are protesting a 36 per cent increase in termly fees. The fees rose from US$1,250 to US$1,700 at the start of the third term. Parents have expressed concerns regarding the lack of consultation and have questioned whether the increase received the necessary regulatory approval from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. The sudden hike has led to some students being unable to attend classes and others being transferred to different institutions.