School transport
Children between 5 and 16 years old may be entitled to free transport between home and school.
This will depend on:
- your household income
- where you live
- your child's age
Children with special educational needs (SEN) or a disability may also qualify.
Distance criteria
We provide free transport between home and school for children who live further than the legal walking distance from the appropriate neighbourhood school (two miles for primary school and three miles for secondary school).
Secondary school pupils who receive free school meals or whose household receives certain benefits will also qualify for free school travel if they attend:
- one of their three nearest qualifying schools and live between two and six miles away
- the nearest suitable school (preferred on grounds of religion or belief) and live between two and 15 miles away
Pupils with additional needs
Some pupils need additional support with transport due to special educational needs or disabilities. For more information please see local offer - travel and transport.
Armed forces personnel
If you or your partner serve in the armed forces, tick the box on the application form.
We will contact you to discuss your application for free home to school transport.
This ensures we meet our obligations under the Armed Forces Covenant Duty, which are to consider the needs of armed forces families alongside other legal requirements.
How to apply
An application for free school transport has to be made for every new academic year.
You will need to upload a clear head-and-shoulders photo of your child to the application form.
Apply for free school transport
Replacement bus pass
Any bus pass lost or damaged during the academic year can be replaced.
From 01 April 2026 a replacement pass costs £8.67.