NCT Makes Getting to School and College Easy Across Nottingham and Beyond

As students get ready to head back to school and college this September, Nottingham City Transport (NCT) is helping make the journey to lessons simple, affordable and convenient, with services connecting students with schools and colleges across Nottingham and beyond.

From travelling across Nottingham to heading further afield to East Leake, Loughborough, Southwell, Calverton and Newark, NCT’s extensive bus network provides students with a convenient way to get to school or college – and with an Academic Year Pass, they can travel all year round for just over £1 a day. 

The Academic Year Pass is available for £349 for travel on NCT buses in Nottingham, or £579 for travel across Nottingham and the Outer Zone. The pass provides unlimited travel every day from 1 September 2026 until 31 July 2027, including weekends and school holidays. 

For students travelling further afield, the Outer Zone pass covers journeys to destinations including East Leake Academy, The Minster School in Southwell, Colonel Frank Seely Academy in Calverton, South Nottinghamshire Academy and schools across Newark.

Making independent travel easier

For many young people, starting a new school or college year also means taking their first steps towards travelling independently. NCT’s network and technology can help make that transition easier, while providing added reassurance for parents and guardians.

All NCT buses are fitted with CCTV, helping provide a safe and reassuring environment for students travelling to and from school. Many buses are also equipped with USB charging points, helping students keep their phones and other devices topped up during their journey.

Students can also use the NCTX Buses App to plan their journey, check timetables and see where their bus is in real time. The app also provides Travel Alerts, helping students stay informed about service changes, disruption and other updates that could affect their journey.

Dedicated school services

NCT also operates dedicated school services to help connect students with their schools, with some services running additional buses around school start and end times to help accommodate increased demand at the beginning and end of the school day.

The A2 school service, for example, provides a direct connection for students travelling to Trinity School, Bluecoat and Nottingham Girls Academy, linking schools in Aspley with areas including Bulwell, Rise Park, Bestwood Park and the Ring Road. 

Alongside dedicated and additional services, NCT’s wider network means students can use regular bus services to reach schools and colleges across the city and surrounding areas.

From school and college to university

The Academic Year Pass isn’t just for school and college students. University students can also benefit from the same year-round travel, with NCT services connecting students with both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University campuses. Find out more here: nctx.co.uk/unipass

A simple way to travel all year

The Academic Year Pass is designed to give students more than just a way to get to school. With unlimited travel seven days a week and throughout the academic year, it can also be used for journeys at weekends, during school holidays and for trips around Nottingham.

The pass is available to buy through the NCTX Buses App, online or from NCT’s Travel Centre on Lister Gate. Students purchasing an Under 19 pass for the first time will need to provide proof of age. 

For those who don’t need a full academic year’s travel, NCT also offers other flexible ways to pay, including Easyrider, Easyrider Purse and contactless travel. 

Whether it’s a daily journey to school, a trip into Nottingham at the weekend or a journey further afield during the holidays, NCT helps students stay connected throughout the academic year. 

Find out more

For a full list of schools and colleges served by NCT, visit: nctx.co.uk/schools

For more information about the Academic Year Pass, including prices and how to buy, visit: nctx.co.uk/students