- Introduction
- Ways we help
- Apply for help with travel
- Travel help timeline
- After you apply
- If your child doesn't qualify
When to apply
For travel help at the start of the autumn term
Apply as soon as your child’s place at a new school is confirmed.
Submit your application for travel help before 30 June.
If you applied after 30 June our decision will be delayed and we may not be able to arrange transport in time for the start of the new term. You may need to make your own travel plans while we work on a solution. However, we’ll contact you to look at other options, such as a temporary travel allowance, if you qualify.
For travel help during the school year
You can apply at any time during the year if your child needs travel help.
If you applied during the school year, we aim to complete the assessment and arrange travel within 30 working days.
Timeline after applying
Choose the timeline that applies to you.
Applications sent before 30 June
This timeline is for parents and carers who have applied or reapplied for their child to receive travel help at the start of autumn term.
20 working days after receiving your application
We will let you know our decision.
Successful application: we will email you and let you know the next steps.
Rejected application: we will write to you to explain why your child does not qualify for travel help, and we will tell you about your right to appeal our decision. However, unless you have new information to prove your child qualifies, we won't be able to change our decision. There are other travel options if your child doesn't qualify.
14 days before autumn term starts
We will email you to confirm that we have arranged travel at least 14 days before the autumn term starts.
Autumn term starts - for successful applicants, travel help will begin as stated in our email to you.
When to reapply
Keep a note of the eligibility end date in your approval email. You will need to reapply for travel help when your child's current travel help expires or they move to a new school.
If you move house or your child or young person changes school
Your child's travel plan will need to be updated if your child's address or school changes before their travel pass expires. Our Change of school or address page explains what you need to do.
Applications sent after 30 June or during the school year
This timeline is for parents or carers who have applied for their child to receive travel help at the start of autumn term but did not apply before 30 June. It is also for parents and carers who applied for travel to start during the school year.
30 working days after receiving your application
We will let you know our decision.
- 20 working days for assessment
- 10 working days for arrangement of transport (if your application was successful)
Successful applications received after 30 June: If we are unable to arrange travel help for your child in time for the start of the autumn term, we will contact you to discuss other arrangements before the term starts.
Successful applications received during the school year: we will contact you to discuss travel arrangements.
Rejected application: we will write to you to explain why your child does not qualify for travel help, and we will tell you about your right to appeal our decision. However, unless you have new information to prove your child qualifies, we won't be able to change our decision. There are other travel options if your child doesn't qualify.
When to reapply
Keep a note of the eligibility end date in your approval email. You will need to reapply for travel help when your child's current travel help expires or they move to a new school.
If you move house or your child or young person changes school
Your child's travel plan will need to be updated if your child's address or school changes before their travel pass expires. Our Change of school or address page explains what you need to do.