Overview
Local authorities do not have to provide free or subsidised post 16 travel support. They do have a duty to prepare and publish an annual transport policy statement specifying the arrangements for the provision of transport or other support that the authority considers it necessary to make to facilitate the attendance of all persons of sixth form age receiving education or training.
Young people carrying on their education post 16 must reapply for travel support, even if they received it in the previous academic year. Please note the Raising of the Participation Age has not created any new entitlement to free or subsidised post-16 travel assistance – students are not required just to stay at school or college but can work, volunteer, or take part in an apprenticeship whilst continuing their education.
‘Sixth form age’ refers to those young people who are over 16 years of age but under 19 or continuing learners who started their programme of learning before their 19th birthday (years 12,13,14).
The Council does not make any general arrangements for free transport or the payment of any travelling expenses for adults under section 508F of the Education Act 1996 as it considers that these are unnecessary for the vast majority of adults. In certain circumstances we will support those with an Education, Health and Care Plan until the age of 25 if their course begun before their 19th birthday.
This policy uses the term ‘Post 16’ to include both learners of sixth form age and those with learning difficulties / disabilities up to the age of 25.
Information in this statement is correct as at 10 January 2025.
