Home to School Transport

The Education Act 1944 as amended by the Education Acts 1986 and 1996 and the Education Reform Act 1988 sets out the minimum provision for home to school transport which local authorities must provide.

Transport will be provided free of charge for those pupils of primary and secondary age who are travelling over the statutory walking distance to/from the main entrance of their nearest suitable school. The statutory walking distances are: 

• 2 miles up to the age of 11 years (primary pupils) 
• 3 miles from the age of 11-16 years (secondary pupils) 

The Education and Inspections Act 2006 also extends Local Authority duties and powers by extending entitlement to those from low income families, this is called 'Extended rights'. These rights extend free transport to those who are entitled to free school meals and those whose parents are in receipt of the maximum level of Working Tax Credit and include transport to: 

• Three nearest schools between 2 and 6 miles from their home 

Click here to view the current policy document and to access an application form.