Additional support will be needed for transport if students are to return to their sixth form and further education colleges, warned Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner, in the Commons today.

While many school pupils walk or bike to school, those studying at colleges come from a much wider geographic catchment area, often using trains and buses.

Mr Zeichner who has been in talks with the principal of Cambridge Regional College told the Commons how almost half of the college’s students were affected.

The college currently subsidise bus travel but the costs of putting on extra transport to allow for more social distancing would be astronomical.

Mr Zeichner said:

“We are talking about several million pounds which the college doesn’t have and parents and students are unlikely to want to stump up for. Further education can often be a forgotten part of the education system but we need a system that works for these teenagers, especially as the more practical courses will obviously need students to be on campus – you just can’t teach trainee electricians and hairdressers completely remotely. I am also worried if the government don’t sort this then more people may decide to use private cars and I certainly do not want to encourage a return to congestion in Cambridge.”