Eligibility for Free School Transport

Your child may qualify for free transport to school if:

• They live further from their school than the walking distance allowed by law.

• Your family is on a low income.

• They attend their nearest suitable school.

 

Special Circumstances for Transport

Even within statutory walking distance, your child may still be entitled to free transport if they:

• Come from a low-income family.

• Have an unsafe route to school.

• Have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Transport and EHCPs

If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), they can get free home-to-school transport if the nearest suitable school does not meet their needs.  In cases where the local authority does not provide free transport, Section I of the EHCP will name two schools and include a condition to be met.

 

Applying for Transport Help

Further Education (FE) Colleges may have a bursary scheme for post-16 students to help with transport costs. Check with your college for more details.

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Disagreeing with Transport Decisions

If you disagree with the local authority's decision about your child’s transport eligibility, you can appeal.

 

Reasons for Appeal:

Eligibility decision.

Transport arrangements offered.

Measured distances for the nearest school or shortest walking route.

Availability of the walking route.

Standard PTB offer for post-16 students.

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Transport Appeal Process

Stage 1 Appeal:

Request a review by a senior officer within 20 working days of the decision.

The senior officer will review and provide a decision within 20 working days.

 

Stage 2 Appeal:

If unsatisfied with the Stage 1 decision, request an independent appeal panel within 20 working days.

The panel will consider representations and provide a decision within 40 working days.