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Apply for school transport (Reception to Year 11)

The process for applying for transport for your child or children for this academic year and the next.

Before you apply

You should:

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.

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 31 May deadline

We are sorry you have missed the home to school transport application deadline for September and the new academic year.  

There could be a long delay in processing your application and letting you know the outcome; this may be after the start of the academic year. In the meantime, you will need to make your own arrangements to ensure your child attends school. 

Once we have assessed your application, you will receive an update email, with a link to your Citizen Portal message area. 

How to apply for the current academic year

Apply using Citizen Portal (link below)

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. 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.

Visit Citizen Portal to make your application

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 Integrated Home to School Transport Team by calling 0300 303 1591 (choose option 2).

If you move house

If you move house, you must 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 Citizen Portal (link above).

Please do not assume your current pass will be valid once you move. In the meantime, you will need to make your own arrangements to ensure your child attends school.

If you're not eligible for free transport

You can appeal against the decision or consider applying for a space on the Spare Seat Scheme.

More information 

For more detailed information on how to apply for school transport and our criteria, please read through the below guidance.