Check if you can get travel assistance
Normally, parents must get their children to school unless it's further than the statutory distance.
- 3 miles for children over 8 (up to Year 11)
- 2 miles for children under 8
Your child must go to their designated or nearest suitable school to qualify.
We may also be able to offer assistance if:
- they cannot walk in reasonable safety
- you have a low income
- you have a medical reason that stops you from taking them (primary school only)
- they cannot walk due to SEND or mobility problem
- they have SEND and an EHC plan
How to apply
Pick from a menu option at the top of the page. Please check carefully that your child qualifies.
Does your child go to the nearest suitable or designated school?
Your child must go to the nearest school with space that serves your area. This is called the designated school.
You must pay for your child's transport if:
- We did not offer a place at your nearest or designated school because you did not name it on your application
- You decided to send your child to a school further away
Children with an EHCP - Please see our separate page.
Sixth-form learners without an EHC plan need to contact their school or college to see if they can help with transport.
What kind of transport will your child get?
To go to and from school, your child will get:
- a ticket for public transport, or;
- a seat on a hired vehicle, or;
- if we can’t find suitable public transport or a hired vehicle, we can offer a mileage allowance of 25p per mile. This covers two return journeys a day per family.
We can only offer travel to and from your main address, to and from school at the start and end of the school day.
We do not offer travel at different times or to different places, including trips, exams, and breakfast or after-school clubs. We will try to make sure siblings travel together.
If your child doesn’t qualify for free transport
You may be able to buy a vacant seat on a current route or access other discount travel schemes.