School changes and new schools
Academies or schools that have changed status e.g. become a trust school – the existing catchment area at the date of conversion would be used by the authority to determine entitlement to travel assistance and remain unchanged unless otherwise amended by the County Council.
Newly established schools such as Free Schools – travel assistance will be provided if it is the nearest suitable school above walking distance with places available or meets the income assessed travel assistance criteria.
Catchment area changes – should any school wish to change its catchment area for admissions purposes, the one previously in place will remain unchanged and continue to be used to determine entitlement to travel assistance, unless changes have been agreed by the County Council.
School reorganisation - If a child needs to move school after a school reorganisation or closure, and they lived in the catchment area of their former school, they will only be offered travel assistance to their new designated school if they meet the general eligibility criteria. Travel assistance for those who do not meet the general eligibility criteria would only be provided if it has been agreed by the Authority as appropriate under the school closure/reorganisation plan.
