Travelling to school

As a parent, it's your responsibility to make sure your child gets to and from school, however, in some cases, the council can assist with school transport.

Your child may be able to get free transport to school if

• your child isn't within walking distance of their nearest school. For a child under eight the walking distance is two miles from home to the school and for a child eight or over the walking distance is three miles. If you've decided to send your child to a school that isn't their nearest school, free transport won't be provided and you're responsible for making your own transport arrangements and costs.
• you are on a low income
• your child has a special need or medical condition
• you have moved house. If you've moved house your child may be able to get free transport to school if your child is in years 10 or 11, was attending their nearest school before the move, the move wasn't voluntary and the distance is more than three miles from home to school.

How to apply for free school transport

Complete the online form if you think your child is eligible for free school transport.

Apply for free school transport

Apply for a free school bus pass

How to appeal

Stage one

You can request a review of the council's decision within 20 working days. You'll receive notification in writing of the outcome within 20 working days. If your review is unsuccessful you can move to stage two.

Stage two

You can appeal against the decision within 20 working days of the review. An independent panel will consider your appeal within 40 working days. You'll receive notification in writing of the panel's decision within five working days of the appeal being considered.

If you still think your application or appeal hasn't been dealt with you can contact the Local Government Ombudsman.

For more information about school transport please email school.transport@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 308770.