School Transport Policy

How to apply for transport

All learners who are eligible for free home to school transport must submit an online application using the form available at School Transport Applications.

Each application will be assessed individually by the Learner Travel Team to determine eligibility in accordance with this policy.

Applications must be submitted at least 15 days before the date transport is required. If the application is approved, a Travel Pass will be issued by the Local Authority. Details of the routes to be used will be supplied with the Travel Pass. The Travel Pass will usually be issued within 15 days of the application, although this timescale will be extended in respect of applications made between June and September, and will not apply for learners transferring from Primary school to Secondary School (see below).

Learners transferring from Primary School to Secondary School are advised to submit the appropriate transport application by 1st January in the year of transfer. Applications received by this date allow sufficient time for confirmation of attendance at the designated catchment school and for the Learner Travel Team to assess entitlement to free home to school transport in accordance with this policy.

Submitting an application by the recommended deadline increases the likelihood of learners being allocated a transport route, pick-up point and vehicle that are suitable for their needs, as routes and capacity are planned well in advance of the new academic year. Early application also allows sufficient time for families whose applications are refused to request a review through the appropriate appeals process before the start of the academic school year.

Confirmation of eligibility for transport or otherwise will usually be issued by the Learner Travel Team by June, with Travel Passes issued to eligible learners during August. Applications submitted after 1st January will still be considered; however, these may be processed later and learners may not be allocated their preferred pick-up point or vehicle, depending on availability

Applications for college transport must be made directly to the relevant college.