Here you’ll find information about our home to school bus routes and our transport service app, using innovative StudentSafe technology.
Dear Parents/Guardians
Welcome to StudentSafe at Merchant Taylors’ Schools
Merchant Taylors’ Schools are delighted to introduce our new partnership with StudentSafe, enhancing daily travel for both our Prep and Senior School communities. This collaboration brings a modern, reliable and reassuring transport experience designed around the needs of families.
A Smarter, Safer Way to Travel
StudentSafe offers a convenient, flexible booking system through a user‑friendly app that gives you real‑time tracking of your child’s journey, instant app notifications, and access to customer support from 7.00am to 7.00pm. This service is a fantastic addition to our schools, giving you added confidence that your child is travelling safely to and from school each day.
Explore Current Routes
To view the routes currently available, please click the route image below. These routes are reviewed regularly, and suggestions for route revisions are very welcome. Once registered, you will be able to book transport and make payment directly to StudentSafe.
Find Out More
For further details, including our FAQ section, please scroll to the bottom of the page.
We look forward to supporting your family’s journey with us and hope you find the StudentSafe service a valuable addition to school life.
Yours faithfully
Mr Philip Dearden
Headmaster
Routes and Timetables
Here you’ll find the route, stops and times for the Merchant Taylors’ School home-to-school bus service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ section! Here, you’ll find a compilation of frequently asked questions regarding our services.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact a member of the StudentSafe team by emailing merchanttaylors@studentsafe.com or calling at 0151 453 5615.
Our customer service team is available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm to assist you with non-urgent enquiries.
Who can use the service?
The service is available to pupils in both the Prep and Senior Schools at Merchant Taylors’
Can I track my child’s journey?
Yes. The app provides real‑time GPS tracking so you can follow your child’s journey to and from school.
Will I receive notifications?
You will receive app alerts for pick‑ups, drop‑offs, delays, or route changes
Is the service safe?
StudentSafe provides trained drivers with DBS checks, monitored routes, and live tracking to ensure pupils travel safely.
How do I register?
To register, simply click on the “register” button located in the bottom right corner of the parent app. You’ll need to provide your email address, which must match the one you’ve registered with the School for security reasons. The system will then send a One Time Passcode (OTP) to your registered mobile number for verification. Once entered, you’ll be prompted to set up your password.
My email will not work when registering?
If your email address doesn’t match the one registered with the School, please contact mis@merchanttaylors.com to update your details on the School’s system.
When registering my email, I didn’t receive a 6-digit code?
If you didn’t receive a code, it’s likely that your mobile number doesn’t match the records held by the School. Please contact mis@merchanttaylors.com to update your details.
To help you get started, we’ve created two short videos showing how to make bookings on the platform. Whether you need to set up a regular journey or book transport on an ad hoc basis, these guides will walk you through each step.
Where can I find the bus routes and timetables?
You can find detailed bus routes and timetables on this website. Explore each route to see bus stops and departure/arrival times.
What if I would like an additional stop?
To request a new stop, please complete our short form for review by StudentSafe. All requests are assessed at the next half term or end of term, whichever comes first. If you have any questions or need help completing the form, feel free to contact us at merchanttaylors@studentsafe.com .
What if I need different stops/routes during the week to accommodate my child’s regular travel?
While split bookings aren’t available, we understand exceptional circumstances may arise. Please email us at merchanttaylors@studentsafe.com for assistance.
How will billing work?
- Payment is processed by StudentSafe at the time of booking to confirm your child’s seat for the term.
- Payment must be made via debit/credit card on the parent app.
- Prices will be calculated at time of booking and will be displayed in the parent app.
Charges Academic Year 26/27
What are the booking options for my child on the Merchant Taylor’s Home-To-School service for this academic year?
Single or return bookings can be made for a minimum of five days a week. Ad hoc bookings are also available (depending on bus capacities) at a price of £6 per journey and must be paid at time of booking.
If I book my child on the bus but they do not travel, will I still be charged?
Yes, as the seat is reserved for your child, no other student can take that seat.
If I cancel my booking after half a term, will I get a refund?
No, billing is for the whole term to facilitate route planning and capacity prediction.
If I start my booking after half a term, will I be charged less?
No, billing is for the whole term. This allows us to plan the routes, stops and bus capacity.
How do I cancel / give notice for the bus service?
All bookings are termly and must be made in advance. If you wish to cancel partway through the term, you will still be charged for the remainder of that term. To fully withdraw from using the service a terms notice will be required to avoid being charged for the term.
What if I need to amend my travel arrangements before the start of term?
Please email us at merchanttaylors@studentsafe.com, and we’ll assist you.
What to do if the school bus is running late?
Wait at your stop for 10 minutes after the scheduled pick-up time.
Check the StudentSafe parent app for bus tracking and updates.
If the bus hasn’t arrived, contact the StudentSafe control centre at 0151 453 5615.
What if my child misses the bus?
While we recommend being at the stop at least 5 minutes early, our buses should not depart before their allocated time.
If your child misses the bus, you’ll need to arrange their journey to School and please notify us at merchanttaylors@studentsafe.com
Getting in Touch
If you’re looking for or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact a member of the StudentSafe team by emailing merchanttaylors@studentsafe.com or calling 0151 453 5615.
Our customer service team is available to assist with non-urgent matters, Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm.
Urgent enquiries regarding live service issues can be made between 6.30am and 9am and 4pm and 7pm.
Download The App
The StudentSafe Parent App is available from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
Terms and Conditions
Merchant Taylors Schools Bus Service Updated Terms and Conditions and Code of Practice
- Introduction
The school bus service is operated in partnership with StudentSafe our new transport provider. StudentSafe is responsible for the day‑to‑day running of the service, including timetables, routes, vehicle provision, payments, and operational queries. The school retains responsibility for pupil behaviour, safeguarding, and disciplinary decisions relating to bus use.
Misbehaviour on School Buses will not be tolerated and pupils may be banned from using the service. All pupils using the school bus service, including for educational visits, school events, or sporting fixtures, must follow the Code of Practice set out below.
- Code of Practice for Pupils
General Conduct
Pupils must:
- Be at the designated pick‑up point before the scheduled arrival time and wait safely on the pavement, well back from the road.
- Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop before boarding or alighting.
- Wait for the bus to move away before crossing the road.
- Sit in a seat promptly and wear their seat belt for the entire journey.
- Avoid distracting the driver at all times.
- Not smoke, vape, eat, or drink on the bus.
- Behave safely and responsibly, avoiding any action that could endanger themselves or others.
- Treat the driver with respect and follow all instructions.
- Keep the bus clean and avoid leaving litter.
- Use appropriate language and show consideration for other passengers.
- Take care of the bus; any damage caused will result in charges to parents/guardians and may lead to prosecution.
- Report dangerous behaviour to the driver, parents/guardians, or school staff.
Behaviour Management
- Repeated dangerous or inappropriate behaviour will result in a formal warning.
- Continued misconduct will lead to a temporary suspension from the bus service.
- Persistent issues will result in permanent exclusion from the bus service.
Serious misbehaviour may lead the Partner to withdraw the service if it cannot be operated safely.
- Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians
Parents/guardians should:
- Ensure their child knows the safest route to the pick‑up point and uses appropriate crossing places.
- Remind their child to conduct themselves appropriately at pick-up points or on buses by:
- Waiting for the bus to pull away before crossing the road.
- Not crossing immediately in front of or behind the bus.
- Only opening bus doors in an emergency.
- Never throwing objects from bus windows.
- Not distracting the driver through shouting, fighting, or other behaviour.
- Ensuring their child knows what to do if the bus is late or does not arrive.
- Making sure their child understands the financial consequences of vandalism; parents/guardians are responsible for covering repair costs to rectify damage caused by their child.
- Timetables and Routes
- Timetables and routes are published on this website.
- StudentSafe will notify families of any changes as early as reasonably possible.
- Buses will follow the published route and timings unless prevented by road closures or other unavoidable circumstances.
- The School will ensure that pupils are picked up and set down only at recognised bus stops, as set out in the school bus service timetable
- Pupils must be ready at the designated stop at the scheduled time; the bus will be under no obligation to wait for late arrivals.
- Breakdowns and Delays
- The school gives its advice on journey time in good faith. However, in the event of breakdown or traffic congestion, or other events beyond the reasonable control of the school or StudentSafe, journeys may take longer than predicted and in those circumstances the school or StudentSafe will not be liable for any loss or inconvenience suffered by parents and pupils as a result.
- Delays to the service will be communicated to parents via the StudentSafe Parent App in real time.
- Payments and Fees
The school bus fees for the provision of the school bus services will be displayed in the StudentSafe Parent App at time of placing your booking. The school bus fees will be updated on an annual basis by the school.
Payment shall be made through the dedicated StudentSafe Parent App and are payable termly in advance of the start of term.
Charges Academic Year 26/27
| Route | Termly Booking
(price based on return journey, 5 days a week) |
Termly Booking
(price based on Single journey (AM or PM), 5 days a week) |
Non-termly Price
flexible bookings (price is for a single journey) |
| Aughton Snr, Jnr & Inf | £509.44 | £254.72 | £6.00 |
| Eccleston & Aintree | £623.36 | £311.68 | £6.00 |
| Formby & Southport Jnr | £517.12 | £258.56 | £6.00 |
| Formby & Southport Snr | £549.12 | £274.56 | £6.00 |
| Rainhill | £623.36 | £311.68 | £6.00 |
| Warrington & Widnes | £623.36 | £311.68 | £6.00 |
| West Derby | £623.36 | £311.68 | £6.00 |
| Wigan & Skelmersdale | £623.36 | £311.68 | £6.00 |
| Woolton & South Liverpool | £623.36 | £311.68 | £6.00 |
