School transport

Post-16 transport

Post-16 transport is available at a charge for eligible students aged between 16 and 19.

Support is not provided to independent (fee-paying) establishments.

Who is eligible

Children who are attending the nearest school, sixth form or college that offers the majority of the course being studied (50% or more of the course), and live more than 3 miles away are eligible.

Read our Education Transport Policy (PDF, 1.71MB) and Post-16 Transport Policy (PDF, 590.78kB) for more details.

When to apply

The 2 periods for new transport application assessments are:

• autumn term - between 1 March and 30 September
• spring term - between 1 October and 31 January

Applications received after the autumn term closing date of 30 September, will be considered for January onwards.

You only need to apply once for the academic year. The assessment will cover the remaining academic year as long as the criteria is met, and the charges are paid.

Transport must be renewed every school year.

How to apply

Complete the post-16 transport application form (PDF, 1.50mB) and submit via the postal or email address noted in the form.

How to pay

If you are eligible, you will receive a letter in the post confirming information you will need to make payment.

We will also write to you to inform you if you are not eligible. Please do not attempt to make payment if you are not eligible. You will still not receive subsidised travel and refunds will take time as we identify your payment.

How much you have to pay

The standard charge for post-16 transport is £900 per year.

For low income families, the charge is £450 per year.

Student bursary

Students aged 16 to 19 could get a bursary from the government to help with education related expenses.

GOV.UK has more about the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund including eligibility, what you’ll get and how to claim.