School transport

Local authorities have particular duties towards some groups of children and young people who require home to school transport arrangements. The entitlements differ depending on the age of the child or young person.

Some pupils are automatically eligible to apply for free transport on council operated bus services based on the distance from their home to the school.

For those pupils who are moving from Year 6 into Year 7 the following September, the Local Authority is able to work this out as soon as pupils have been allocated their schools in March of each year.

Can my child get a bus from more than one address?

Yes, in the case of a split family. When parents separate, they both retain parental responsibility and have equal rights relating to their children. Some children may live with each parent for part of the school week e.g. three days with one parent and two days with the other. In these cases, entitlement to transport to each of the parent's home addresses is assessed and if the child is entitled to free transport from both then they will be granted free transport to both addresses. If the child is not entitled to free transport from one address then the parent may purchase a travel pass if they wish.

My child has an Education, Health and Care Plan – will they qualify for free transport?

Children with statements of SEN or Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans may qualify for free home to school transport. Please find information on the IPSEA website about transport for school or college