Free school transport

Your child may qualify for free school transport if they’re eligible for free school meals.

They may be eligible for free school meals if you get certain benefits.

Being eligible for free school meals doesn’t automatically guarantee entitlement to free school transport.

Check if your child is eligible for free school meals.

From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, your child will continue to be eligible for free school transport if you get Universal Credit and have a household income of £7,400 or less a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get).

Your child must also be:

• aged 8 to 11, go to their nearest school and it’s at least 2 miles away
• aged 11 to 16 and go to a school 2 to 6 miles away - if it’s one of their 3 nearest suitable schools
• aged 11 to 16 and go to a school 2 to 15 miles away - if it’s one you chose because of your religion or belief

For us to check your eligibility, we'll the need this information from the person receiving the benefit:

• full name
• date of birth
• national insurance number

If your family meet the low income criteria above, contact us for more information about getting free school transport.

We'll ask you to answer a few questions to help us deal with your enquiry.

View our terms and conditions. This is in line with our home to school transport policy.