Given that the demographics of students in a school are representative of the demographics of the people in the local area, schools located in areas where ethnic and cultural diversity is lacking have to travel further afield to fulfil Ofsted’s diversity requirements.

Such travel can be both time-consuming and costly, especially where a school does not own its own means of transport.

Clearly the outright purchase of a minibus is often not a feasible option for schools as the capital funding is simply not available.

So what is the solution?

An increasing number of schools are choosing to lease minibuses rather than buy them outright, and not just because it is better for the school’s cash flow (although it is), but because in most cases it is the cheaper option.

It is an arrangement which makes it possible for schools to fund the minibus through a small payment each month.

And in some 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 – reducing the funds being deducted from the school’s capital account.

What’s more, in leasing a minibus from Benchmark, schools don’t have to worry about servicing and maintaining the vehicle as we absorb the costs and keep the vehicle fully operational at all times.

A school minibus will not only make it possible for the school to arrange beyond the classroom activities for existing pupils, but it also becomes a statement to prospective parents about the breadth and scope of the school’s vision.

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 or click here to see what we can offer.