Help with school transport and costs
Transport costs
You can apply for free school transport if your nearest suitable school is not within walking distance of your home. Walking distance is:
- two miles for children under eight
- three miles for children between eight and 16
You might also be able to apply if your child has a disability or an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP).
You can appeal online if you disagree with our decision. Your appeal will be heard by an Independent Panel consisting of the Lead Member for Education, the Director of Education and a BFfC education member of staff, all of whom will not have been involved in the original decision. This policy is reviewed annually to take account of Government guidance and best practice.
Details of the appeal process are available here:
BFfC School Transport Appeals – Parents’ Guide
You can apply for a replacement school transport pass if it is lost, damaged or no longer scans.
Low income
You should complete a Low Income Supplementary Form if your child attends a secondary school which is one of the three nearest to your home address and the distance is over two miles but less than six miles (or 15 miles for a denominational school). If the application is for transport to a denominational school, an additional Denominational Certificate should be requested. For primary age pupils, the school needs to be the nearest school to qualify on the basis of Low Income.
Post 16 students
There is no legal entitlement for free transport to school after Year 11. However, if you are attending a full-time course at Reading College, have an Education, Health and Care Plan and your end of Year 11 review indicated that you would need help to travel, you will get help.
The BFfC Post 16 Education Transport Policy gives further details.
Higher education
Student Finance now deals with higher education funding. If you are between 16 and 19 and in full- or part-time education or training, check the Gov.uk website to see if you are eligible for help.