There is a myth perpetrated via local newspapers and the like that most school minibuses are purchased as a result of years of fundraising by PTAs.

As the final amount is reached a huge ceremony is arranged, a giant cheque is handed over, the local newspaper photographer is there to capture the scene, and the story appears a week later.

In fact, very few minibuses are funded in this way these days as there is a much more straightforward way of funding a minibus: leasing.

Through this arrangement we, as the company that leases out the minibus, also take over the maintenance of the minibus and thereby undertake to keep the vehicle fully operational at all times.

A minibus which is leased is simply paid for on a monthly basis, and indeed even at this point some schools find it is possible to fund this without taking anything from the school’s capital account.

In those cases where trips are paid for by contributions from parents and the PTA, it is possible to allocate a part of those payments towards the cost of the minibus – which, of course, takes the strain off the school’s mainstream finances.

In other cases the minibus can be funded through a small monthly deduction from the school’s income, and sometimes the PTA also agrees to make a monthly contribution.

Not only will a new minibus help the school arrange beyond the classroom activities but it will also be a statement to prospective parents about the breadth and scope of the school’s vision – especially where you put details of the way in which the minibus has been used each week on the school website.

Benchmark Leasing specialises in the supply and maintenance of school minibuses. If you are interested in the benefits of a minibus do call us on 01753 859944, email us at Minibus@benchmarkleasing.co.uk or click here to see what we can offer.