Travel Assistance
School & Post 16 Travel Assistance - Please apply before the 30th June
Telford & Wrekin Council looks to parents carers to make arrangements for their (child)ren and young people to travel safely to their allocated school and/or post 16 provider, where possible.
If you are unable to transport your child or young person and you meet eligibility criteria listed on the council’s website, the council can provide travel assistance.
If you are applying for travel assistance for the next academic year, all applications must be received by the council by 30th June. Applications received after this date cannot guarantee that travel training or travel assistance will be in place for the start of the new term.
Download the Travel Assistance Application Timeline
Download the Travel Assistance Application Process Flowchart
Pre-16 vs Post-16 Eligibility Criteria
This table compares the key eligibility criteria for pre-16 and post-16 school travel assistance from the Telford & Wrekin statutory policies. It helps families understand what support is available and how the eligibility criteria differ.
Important Note: Having received travel assistance pre 16 is no guarantee that travel assistance will be provided post-16. Post-16 eligibility is based on new criteria, including distance, course type, and available transport options. Not every child with an EHCP (or attending a special school) will be eligible for travel assistance, eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
*Work or childcare commitments will not be considered as a reason for travel assistance to be provided.
Criteria |
Pre-16 (Ages 5–16) |
Post-16 (Ages 16–25) |
| Age Range | 5 to 16 | 16 to 18 (up to 25 with EHCP) |
| Residency | Must live in Telford & Wrekin | Must live in Telford & Wrekin |
| School/College Type | Nearest suitable school | Publicly funded education provider |
| Distance Criteria |
Attend nearest suitable school Age under 8: over 2 miles |
Must attend nearest provider where a suitable study programme is available |
| Cost to Family | Free (if eligible) | £600 per year (if eligible) |
| Low-Income Support |
Extended rights for children who are entitled to free school meals Attend nearest suitable school Age 8 to 10: over 2 miles |
Reduced contribution of £400 per year |
| Unsafe Walking Route | Eligible if route is unsafe, even when accompanied | Considered if route is unsafe or impractical |
| Parental Responsibility* | Expected to accompany child if possible | Family transport considered before assistance is offered |
|
Travel Assistance Support Options |
1. Public Transport (bus pass) |
1. Independent Travel Training |
| Application Process | Apply via Parent/Carer Portal | Apply via Parent/Carer Portal |
| Reapplication Needed? |
Only if circumstances change |
Yes, you must reapply every academic year. However, you do not need to reapply if the young person remains in the same education setting and completing the same course as their first year |
Travel Assistance Workshop April 2025
How to apply
You can submit your application now on the council's website and transport platform.
In order to submit an application, you will be required to login to your account or if you haven’t used the system before create a new account online. If you already have an email address registered with the council, please use this email when creating an account, this will help the council to link your existing travel assistance arrangements with your new account.
Once you have created an account and submitted your application, you will receive regular notifications on your application progress, you can log on at any point to see the progress. If you need support in creating a new account, please call 01952 384545 (Monday to Friday, 7.15am-5pm)