Home to school transport

Also called School transport, Free school transport

Free travel to school for children who qualify. A statutory duty, and a frequent source of complaint.

What it is

Local authorities must arrange free home to school travel for "eligible children" of compulsory school age attending their nearest suitable school.

Eligibility includes children living beyond statutory walking distance — two miles under eight, three miles from eight — children who cannot reasonably be expected to walk because of SEND, a disability or mobility problems, and children whose route is unsafe.

Where it applies

Children of compulsory school age. Post-16 transport is a separate, weaker duty: councils must publish a policy but there is no equivalent right to free transport.

How it works

"Nearest suitable school" does most of the work. If you choose a school further away than the nearest suitable one, transport is usually not free — but where an EHCP names a school, that is the suitable school for this purpose.

Councils must have an appeals process with two stages: a review by a senior officer, then an independent appeal panel.

What you can ask for

Ask for the decision and reasons in writing, and use the council's own appeal stages in order.

If your child cannot reasonably walk because of SEND or anxiety, say so with evidence — that is a distinct eligibility route from distance.

Ask about a personal transport budget or mileage payment, which many councils offer and few advertise.

Where to get help

Your council's transport policy, published annually. Then the Local Government Ombudsman, which sees many of these.