Apply for school transport (Reception to Year 11)

Before you apply

You should:

• check your child is eligible for free school transport
• read who is responsible for organising school transport

If the child has more than one address

Transport can only be provided from one address which should be your child’s main residence. In the case of a child having more than one address the one which receives the child benefit will be considered the main residence.

Distance measurements to determine entitlement will be undertaken using our computerised Geographical Information Service (GIS) and will be to be the nearest entrance on the school site, which is available at the time of undertaking the assessment your application.

When to apply

All application forms must be returned by 31 May to guarantee your application will be assessed by the beginning of the academic year.

If you apply later, transport may not be in place at the start of term and there may be a considerable delay. In the meantime, you are responsible for your child’s transport and any expenses you incur will not be refunded.

Applications made after the May deadline

You have missed the home to school transport application deadline for September.  There could be a long delay in letting you know the outcome of your application. In this case, even if your child is entitled to free transport, it is unlikely that transport will be in place for September. 

You will receive an update email, with a link to your Citizen Portal message area, as soon as possible. In the meantime you are responsible, at your own expense, for your child's transport to and from school.

How to apply for the current academic year

Apply through our Citizen Portal.

Apply for transport to start in the current academic year

Applications for next academic year made before the May deadline

Once your school place has been confirmed, you can apply for transport to start for the next academic year.

Apply for transport to start for the next academic year 

You will receive an update email with a link to your Citizen Portal message area, and a pass will be sent before the end of August.

After you apply

You will receive an update email with a link to your Citizen Portal message area within 10 working days 

If you submit an application by the 31 May and you do not hear anything about your application or receive a travel pass by mid August, you should contact the School Transport, Education SEND and Inclusion.

Telephone: 0300 3031591 (choose option 1)

If you move house

If you move house you will need to complete an application form for your new address to find out if you will be entitled to assistance with transport. You can do this in the Citizen Portal

If you're not eligible for free transport

You can appeal against the decision.

Further information

For more information on school transport download the academic booklet.