Under 16 transport

Travel to school

Most pupils are not entitled to free travel assistance. This means you’ll probably need to arrange your child’s travel to and from school yourself.

We don’t provide travel arrangements for pupils who aren’t eligible — either free or paid.

Ways to travel

There are several options that might help with the school journey:

• Public transport
• Road safety training in schools
• Bikeability cycle training
• Cycling or scooting to school
• Walking buses
• Park and stride

You can also ask your child’s school if they offer any transport options.

Can I ask for a review?

Yes. The local authority follows a two-stage review and appeals process, as recommended by the Department for Education.

We aim to respond as quickly as possible, but timings may be extended if we need more information or if there are school or college holidays.

While your review or appeal is being considered, you are responsible for arranging and paying for travel.

What can I appeal?

You can appeal a decision about travel assistance based on:

• Eligibility for free travel or the post-16 travel scheme
• The transport arrangements offered
• Distance measurements used to assess walking distances
• Whether the walking route is safe and available

Concerns about the travel policy itself should be raised through the complaints process, not the review and appeal process.

Providing supporting information

You must provide any supporting information for your application, review or appeal. This can include evidence from outside agencies.

If you can show that you're unable to get this information yourself, the council may try to obtain it — but this could delay your appeal. Please note that data protection laws may limit what we can access.

Stage 1: Review by a senior officer

You must request a stage 1 review within 20 working days of receiving your decision. Use the online form and include all supporting evidence.

Your request should explain why you think the decision is wrong and include any exceptional circumstances.

We will consider your request in line with our data protection and fair processing policies.

A senior officer will check whether the law and policy were applied correctly and review any exceptional circumstances. We aim to respond within 20 working days. The decision letter will include:

• How the review was carried out
• Which departments or agencies were consulted
• What factors were considered
• The reasons for the decision
• How to escalate to stage 2, if needed

Stage 2: Independent appeal panel

If you're not satisfied with the stage 1 decision, you have 20 working days to request a stage 2 appeal.

An independent panel will consider your case within 40 working days. You can also speak to the panel if you wish.

We’ll send you a decision within 5 working days of the panel meeting. This will include:

• The decision made
• How the review was carried out
• Which departments or agencies were consulted
• What factors were considered
• The reasons for the decision
• Your right to contact the Local Government Ombudsman

This timeframe may be extended if the panel needs more information after the meeting.

The panel is independent of the original decision and aims to balance the needs of families with the council’s responsibilities.

If your appeal is unsuccessful

You can’t submit another appeal in the same academic year unless:

• Your circumstances have changed significantly
• You have new supporting information

Local Government Ombudsman

If your appeal is unsuccessful at stage 2, you can complain to the Local Government Ombudsman — but only if you believe the process wasn’t followed properly or there were other issues with how your appeal was handled.

You may also apply for a judicial review if you believe the decision was flawed under public law.