Transport to schools and colleges

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We provide free transport for children who are under the age of 16 and who attend a local ‘designated’ school, if the distance from home to school is at least 2 miles, for children under 8 years, and 3 miles for children aged 8 or more (measured by the nearest available walking route). For details of transport for students over 16, please see our  Transport to sixth forms and colleges page.

Schools are designated by the Council, according to address, to decide who can receive help with transport. If you are unsure as to which school has been designated to your address, please contact the Passenger Transport Unit. If the school you wish your child to attend is closer than the designated school, free transport can still be provided once the distances between your home and the two schools have been confirmed by the Council.

If you live less than the 2 or 3 miles (measured by the shortest walking route) but you are concerned about the safety of children who may have to walk the route to school, or you wish for your child to attend a school with a specific religious faith, help with transport can also be provided in some instances.

Transport may also be provided in exceptional circumstances such as a temporary emergency move or short term medical condition. Please contact the Passenger Transport Unit to discuss what help may be available. If your child has a statement of special needs, further assistance may also be available from the SEN Team.

It is very important to check whether or not there is any entitlement to free or subsidised transport at an early stage in deciding which school your child will attend. All applications are to be made in writing and forms can be obtained from the school or by contacting the Transport Team.

Related documents

• Education Transport Policy
• Safe Walking Routes - Appendix 1
• General Policy - Appendix 2
• Safety Officer Guidance - Appendix 3
• School Transport - Spare Seats Terms and Conditions 31kb Automatically imported picture.

Last updated: 18 January 2012