Transport eligibility

Free transport is provided to the closest school or the designated school for transport purposes subject to the following distance criteria;

2 miles for children under 8 years old

• Children under 8 years - free transport is provided if the distance from home to school is at least 2 miles.

3 miles for children aged 8 to 15

• Children aged 8 to 15 - free transport is provided if the distance from home to school is at least 3 miles. This is reduced to 2 miles for children who receive free school meals or those receiving the maximum level of working tax credit.
• Secondary school children receiving the above benefits - free transport can also be provided to any of the 3 nearest secondary schools, providing the school is over 2 miles and less than 6 miles from home.

Where the distance criteria is not met, the nature of the route in terms of safety for pedestrians can be considered.

Students aged 16 to 19

• Wiltshire Council runs a subsidised transport scheme for further education students aged 16 - 19 at the start of their course. Transport is provided to students attending, and living more than 3 miles from their designated sixth form or college. For more details about the designated sixth form or college for your address, contact us.

For more information refer to the education transport policy documents which are available in the downloads section of this page, on request from educationtransport@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) or by phoning 01225 712 852.

Primary school children:

• the walking distance for qualification is reduced to 2 miles

Secondary school children:

• the walking distance for qualification is reduced to 2 miles
• transport may be given to any one of the three nearest secondary schools to the child's home providing that the school is over 2 miles and no more than 6 miles away

16 to 19 year olds:

• the pass may be offered at a discounted price of £315 if your household income is £20,818 or less

If your child has a statement of special needs or education care health plan (ECHP) that specifies transport, refer to Local Offer home. Children with special needs but without a specific statement are assessed for eligibility for free transport in the standard way.

Complete an application form and attach a letter explaining the circumstance if you feel there are educational, medical or social grounds which would affect an application for free transport. These will be considered confidentially.

Transport assistance can be offered in some cases for transport to faith schools, although there are some instances in which the council cannot help. Email educationtransport@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) for further information.

If a student starts a further education course before the age of 19, then transport can be provided until the end of the course. If a student is over the age of 19 at the beginning of the course, then they should speak to the college about learner support funds (opens new window).

The eligibility will need to be re-assessed from your new address. Contact us with your new details.

Unfortunately, there is no entitlement to school transport for pupils attending 'taster' days at schools and you will need to make your own travel arrangements.

Unfortunately, there is no entitlement to school transport for pupils attending work experience.

A fuel allowance can be considered only in the following circumstances:

• if there is no suitable bus/train/taxi running in the area
• where parental transport would be more appropriate for the pupil
• where it is economically viable for the council to do so, due to exceptional circumstances

Complete an application form and enclose a letter stating your request and we will let you know whether this can be authorised.

No. The measurement is used in accordance with the national standard to determine entitlement to free school transport only. It is the parents responsibility to get their child to and from school if they live under the statutory distance.

If you have been refused a place at the designated school to your home address, transport to the next nearest school can only be considered if you have appealed against the decision.

If a place at the designated school is still refused after appeal, then transport can be considered to the next nearest school from your home address if the distance or route safety criteria are applicable.

If applying to the next nearest school:

• enclose a copy of the appeal refusal letter with your application
• you need to have applied on time in the admissions process to be considered for transport to anywhere else
• if you have moved house and submitted a late application, please supply proof of your house move date

For transport purposes, individual addresses have schools designated to them.

Schools designated for transport purposes may not always be the same as schools designated for admission purposes.