School travel assistance

Closing date for applications is 17 April 2026 for secondary transfer pupils, and 12 June 2026 for children starting reception.

How to apply

• Secondary transfer pupils: make sure you apply before 17 April 2026 if you require travel assistance in place for the start of September term.
• Children starting reception: make sure you apply before 12 June 2026 if you require travel assistance in place for the start of the September term.

If you fulfil all the eligibility criteria then apply online:

Apply now

After you apply

We will review your application and contact you within 20 working days to let you know whether travel assistance is suitable for the young person. If the application is approved, a personalised travel plan coordinator will make arrangements to meet and discuss travel options.

We may request the following from you:

• a medical statement or letter from the child’s GP to provide evidence that the child cannot travel independently
• the most recent copy of your tax credits award notice from HMRC (including part 2) if you are in receipt of the maximum level of Working Tax credits
• name of the child’s allocated social worker if the child is looked after by the local authority
• evidence of parent’s disability, such as a letter from a GP, if relevant to child’s travel needs
• evidence that child requires a passenger assistant, such as: documentation from the child’s school or from a medical professional, if you indicate that an assistant is required

Downloads

Travel assistance policy (5-16) 2026-2027 (PDF, 438KB) 

Home to school or college transport appeal form (DOC, 64KB) 

Travel assistance change of circumstance form (DOCX, 38KB)