Post 16 transport

Terms and conditions

This scheme may not be the cheapest or best option for you – always check out your other options before applying.

For students studying in year 12 and above support is offered to Staffordshire residents studying a full-time course at level 3 or below which began on or before the date of the students nineteenth birthday, with at least 16 hours of timetabled study per week. The low income criteria must also be met. Transport assistance is not given to higher education courses (level 4 and above, such as Foundation Degrees or Higher National Diplomas). For a further explanation of qualification levels, see the GOV.UK website. 

For students with learning difficulties and disabilities, we will continue to offer support until a course is completed providing the course was begun on or before the day of their nineteenth birthday. However, if you are unable to access public transport (even when accompanied) due to a learning difficulty or disability, you should apply under the SEN scheme.

The course must be funded by the local authority - transport support is not given to students paying fees for their tuition or attending a course as part of a paid apprenticeship.

Transport support is given to your catchment school or the nearest training provider with places available for the course/courses you wish to study.

The school/college must be between 3 and 15 miles away. The distance will be measured by Staffordshire County Council using the shortest driving route. Please see our post 16 statement for further information. The distance criteria will be waived for students where their learning difficulty or disability prevents them from walking to school or college or using public transport to complete their journey.

When considering if a course is available, we take into account – the end qualification awarded, not the individual units taken; the training provider having a place available to offer to you on that course; you meet the entry requirements demanded by that training provider; that the location meets any requirements you have as a result of any learning difficulty or disability you may have.

Suitability of transport will be determined by Staffordshire County Council – this will be based upon balancing reasonable costs and reasonable travel/waiting times and enables you to access your learning place during school/college days at the school or college general start/finish times. This could mean that you may not receive transport assistance for the quickest or most convenient transport.

For students with a learning difficulty or a disability, the need for specialised transport and the type of transport required due to an inability to walk or use public transport will be based upon information obtained from the school, college, Education, Health and Care plan and any other appropriate professional(s).

Students using this transport scheme are expected to make their own way to the nearest pick-up point/bus stop/train station up to 1 mile away from the home address or destination if required.

Any public bus pass issued under this scheme will provide travel at a minimum during term time only between home and your place of learning.

Transport assistance is not given to attend work placements or work experience.