Frequently asked questions - New school transport policy

The changes ensure that school admissions, catchment areas and transport arrangements work together in a clear and consistent way.

The revised policy helps families better understand transport entitlement, supports long-term transport planning and brings Carmarthenshire into line with the approach taken by most local authorities in Wales. 

Yes.

Parents continue to have the right to express a preference for any maintained school. School admissions arrangements are not changing.

However, if a place is accepted at a school that is not the designated catchment school, free transport will not normally be provided and transport arrangements will usually be the responsibility of the family. 

No.

The changes relate to transport eligibility only. Parents can still apply for any school where places are available through the normal admissions process. 

Learners will normally qualify for free transport if they:

Attend their designated catchment school; and
Live more than 2 miles from a primary school or more than 3 miles from a secondary school.

Transport may also be available in certain circumstances, including for eligible learners with Additional Learning Needs, medical conditions, unsafe walking routes, Looked After Children and some exceptional situations set out in the policy. 

In most cases, no.

The Council has introduced transitional arrangements to protect existing learners. Pupils receiving free transport before September 2027 will generally continue to receive transport from the same address to the same school until the end of their current phase of education.

The transition arrangements are designed to minimise disruption for families.
They include protection for:

Existing pupils already receiving transport before September 2027.
Children starting primary school in 2027 who are affected by catchment changes. 
Year 6 pupils transferring to secondary school in September 2027 who are affected by catchment changes.
Learners moving into sixth form who are already receiving transport to their current school.

These above transitional arrangements will apply if remain at same address and at the same school. 

A change of address may affect transport eligibility.

Where a learner moves home, entitlement will normally be reassessed in accordance with the policy that applies at that time and transitional protection may no longer apply. 

The revised policy makes it easier for families to demonstrate eligibility on medical grounds.

As well as medical evidence from healthcare professionals, the Council will now also recognise Disability Living Allowance (DLA) mobility-related entitlement and a learner's Blue Badge as supporting evidence where appropriate. This change has been introduced to help families and reduce reliance on obtaining medical certification. 

Support for learners with Additional Learning Needs remains an important part of the policy.

The Council will continue to assess learners individually to determine whether transport is necessary and, where required, identify the most appropriate transport arrangements to meet their needs. 

If a learner is unable to secure a place at their designated catchment school because it is full and an application has been refused through the admissions process, the Council may identify an alternative suitable school with available places.

Transport may then be considered in accordance with the policy and eligibility criteria. 

Not always.

Transport eligibility is assessed individually against the policy criteria that apply at the time of application. As a result, one sibling may qualify for transport while another may not. 

The revised policy includes several improvements designed to provide greater clarity, consistency and support for families, including:

Clearer transport eligibility linked directly to catchment schools.
Expanded recognition of Disability Living Allowance and Blue Badge eligibility when assessing transport on medical grounds.
Improved spare seat arrangements, including the ability to allocate seats throughout the year and reducing the need for families to reapply annually.
Greater transparency around transport entitlement and discretionary provision.
Strong transitional arrangements to protect existing learners from disruption.

These changes are intended to make the service easier to understand and more responsive to learner needs.

Yes.

The Council will continue to operate a spare seat scheme where capacity exists on school transport vehicles.

The revised arrangements aim to provide greater flexibility, allow seats to be allocated throughout the year and reduce the need for annual reapplications, subject to availability. 

Eligible learners attending the sixth form of their catchment school may continue to receive discretionary transport support in accordance with the policy criteria.

Yes.

If an application for transport is refused, parents and guardians may request a review of the decision and can use the Council's appeals process. Each case will be considered on its individual circumstances and the evidence provided. 

The revised School Transport Policy will be published for October 2026 and will apply from the start of the 2027/28 academic year.