When to apply
Apply as soon as your child’s place is confirmed.
You can apply at any time during the year if your child needs travel help.
If your child has an education, health and care plan (EHCP), check the deadlines below.
How to apply
If your child is under 16
If your child is aged 16 to 25
Moving house or changing school
Apply again if your address or school changes. Use the form for your child's age group above.
What to include in your application
You may need to upload:
- proof of free school meals or Universal Credit
- medical evidence (for example, an epilepsy care plan)
- proof of address (for example, council tax or rental agreement)
- education, health and care plan (EHCP) documents
What happens after you apply
We will assess your application within 20 working days.
If your child is eligible, we will confirm travel arrangements within 10 working days.
Applying before the autumn term
If you apply before 30 June and your child qualifies
We aim to arrange travel at least 14 days before the autumn term starts.
If you apply after 30 June
We’ll do our best to help, but we might not be able to arrange travel in time for the start of term.
You might need to make your own travel plans while we work on a solution. We’ll contact you to look at other options, such as a temporary travel allowance, if you meet certain criteria.
Please note: If we arrange transport, we might send confirmation less than 14 days before term starts.
Applying during the school year
If you apply during the school year, we aim to assess and arrange travel within 30 days.
If your child has an education, health and care plan (EHCP)
We check if the school named in the plan is the nearest one that can meet your child’s needs. We also check if it meets our distance rules.
Check the deadlines for applying for travel help based on when the EHCP was issued.
Apply by 1 March (soft deadline).
We aim to assess your application within 20 working days. It may take longer if the school place isn’t confirmed or if specialist transport is needed.
If your child qualifies, we’ll confirm travel up to 14 days before term starts.
Apply as soon as the EHCP names the school or college.
We aim to assess your application within 20 working days. It may take longer if the school place isn’t confirmed or if specialist transport is needed.
If you apply after 30 June, we can’t guarantee travel for the start of term. We’ll offer a temporary travel allowance and contact you.
Apply by 13 April (soft deadline).
We aim to assess your application within 20 working days. It may take longer if the school place isn’t confirmed or if specialist transport is needed.
If your child is eligible, we’ll confirm travel up to 14 days before term starts. We’ll offer the post-16 travel allowance first.
Apply as soon as the EHCP names the school or college.
We aim to assess your application within 20 working days.
If you apply after 30 June, we can’t guarantee travel for the start of term. We’ll offer a temporary travel allowance and arrange transport after term starts in September.
If your child is eligible, we’ll confirm travel up to 14 days before term starts. We’ll offer the post-16 travel allowance first.