Do I qualify?
To qualify for help with transport, you must meet the following criteria:
- you must be a resident in Warwickshire
- your child is attending the nearest qualifying school to your home - this is the closest school to your home address by the shortest available walking route or your priority / catchment school.
The walking distance (using the shortest walking route) from your home to the nearest qualifying school must be:
- over two miles for children under the age of eight years
- over three miles for children aged eight to 16
Walking distance and walking routes
These are not necessarily the shortest distance by road but are measured by the shortest route along which a child, accompanied as necessary, may walk with reasonable safety. As such, the route measured may include footpaths, bridleways and other pathways as well as recognised roads.
Walking distance will be measured from the home boundary gate to the nearest school gate.
Motorised routes are those which are passable by using a suitable motorised vehicle. Paths and roads not passable by motorised transport will not be considered. Measurements will be made by our Education Transport Office.
Transport to church aided schools and grammar/selective schools
Transport to these schools is not an automatic right. Applicants will only receive free transport if they are attending the nearest qualifying school to their home address, or if they qualify for free transport as a low-income family. The distance from home to school will also need to be more than the relevant walking distance.
How do I apply?
If you would like to apply for help with transport, please complete the following form:
Please do not use this form if you are just adding or changing your child's photograph for their bus pass. This can be done by emailing TO@warwickshire.gov.uk.
Help for low-income families
If your child is entitled to free school meals, or your family receives the maximum level of Working Tax Credit, free transport will normally be provided for:
- children aged 8 to 11 attending the nearest qualifying school to home, provided it is more than two miles (by the shortest available walking route)
- children aged 11 to 16 attending one of their three nearest qualifying schools, provided it is more than two miles (by the shortest available walking route), but not more than six miles (by motorised route) from their home
- children aged 11 to 16 attending the nearest qualifying school which accords with the parents’ religion or belief, provided it is more than two miles (by the shortest available walking route) but not more than 15 miles (by motorised route) from their home
Route allocation
If you have a query about route allocation and available routes to a school or college, contact Transport Operations on 01926 412929 Option 2 or email to@warwickshire.gov.uk.
Help for those who do not qualify for free assistance
In some cases, there is an option to receive transport under our vacant seat scheme. Payment will be required.