Transport Subsidy Scheme
Our Transport Subsidy Scheme, designed to make theatre more accessible to thousands of local school pupils and community groups.
This exciting partnership with Xelabus, reflects our commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the magic of live theatre.
The Transport Subsidy Scheme has been created to help schools and community groups overcome the financial barriers associated with attending theatre, particularly the high costs of transportation. This initiative supports the belief that theatre is for everyone, aligning with the UK Theatre’s Theatre for Every Child campaign, which highlights the importance of theatre visits for schools.
Our mission is to offer inspiring experiences to all. This partnership with Xelabus is a vital step in removing transportation costs as a barrier, ensuring more people in our community can enjoy the arts.
Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive, Mayflower
So far over 6,000 young people have benefitted from the Transport Subsidy Scheme
Addressing Financial Barriers
We understand that the cost of transport is one of the major challenges schools face when planning theatre trips. While we already offer subsidised ticket schemes for schools with above 15% Free School Meals and other initiatives such as free concerts with Welsh National Opera, the cost of coach hire often prevents schools from attending.
A recent Sutton Trust report revealed that cuts to school trips and outings have more than doubled since last year, with 50% of schools reporting reductions, rising to 68% for the most disadvantaged schools. These statistics highlight the urgent need for solutions like our Transport Subsidy.
For many schools and groups, transport costs make theatre inaccessible. Thanks to Xelabus, we’re removing this obstacle and opening up opportunities for more children and young people to experience live performances.
Patrick O’Sullivan, Head of Participation, Mayflower
How it works
The scheme provides a 100% subsidy for transport costs and will be allocated through an application process.
What are the qualifying criteria?
Schools must meet the following criteria to qualify:
- Be a state-funded primary, secondary school, or further education college.
- Be based in Hampshire or East Dorset.
- Have above 15% Free School Meals percentage or be in a designated Priority Places area.
- Demonstrate how the theatre trip will benefit their students.
- Apply for shows not already discounted below the school rate.
- Be new to Mayflower or have not attended recently.
- Schools can apply for the scheme twice a year.
Community groups engaged through our Participation department are also eligible for the subsidy, ensuring broader access across our local area.
How to apply
Please read the Travel Subsidy terms & conditions before completing the application form below.
If you have further queries, please contact us
Xelabus is one of Hampshire’s longest-running independent passenger transport providers, with over 15 years of experience. As part of the partnership, a Mayflower-themed bus can be seen across the region, promoting the diverse range of shows on offer at our venues.
At Mayflower, we believe in the transformative power of live theatre. Through initiatives like the Transport Subsidy Scheme, we are breaking down barriers and ensuring the joy of theatre reaches as many people as possible.
We are delighted to support this initiative during our 15th anniversary year. Mayflower’s commitment to accessibility aligns perfectly with our values, and we’re proud to contribute to this meaningful programme.
Phil Blair, Commercial Manager, Xela Group
Positive feedback from schools has been overwhelming since launching the Transport Subsidy Scheme in 2025
“We have a high percentage of children who are considered to have a disadvantage. Most of the children we brought on this trip would not have the opportunity to see a live performance or attend the theatre. It has increased their cultural capital and has given them an experience they wouldn’t otherwise have had a chance to access. Additionally, through the transport subsidy children were travelling without their parents which is building their independence, resilience and knowledge of the local world.”
“The transport subsidy has been the “make or break” factor in being able to allow our children to attend. We have linked it to a pupil premium focused drama project, and keeping the cost low has been essential for getting the opportunity available to as many people as possible, giving many of them their first experience of theatre. If we had needed to add the cost of the coach onto the cost of the ticket, it would not have been viable for many of our families.”