Council opening hours throughout Christmas
Some Westmorland and Furness Council offices will be closed over the Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays. Read the full list of Council opening hours during the festive period.
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:
- check your child is eligible for free school transport
- read who is responsible for organising school transport
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 or next academic year
Once your school place has been confirmed, you can apply for transport to start for the next academic year. Once your application has been assessed you will receive an update email with a link to your Citizen Portal message area, and if your child is eligible for transport 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 31 May and you do not hear anything about your application or receive a travel pass by mid-August, you should contact us.
Integrated Home to School Transport Team
Telephone: 0300 303 1591 (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.