Travel Assistance (Under 16)

Worcestershire County Council provide various levels of  travel assistance for school education. Please read below to find out which level of assistance you are entitled to.

Entitlement to free travel assistance

Statutory school age children and pre-statutory school age children who are admitted to mainstream schools in accordance with the current County Council Admission Policy are entitled to free travel, provided that they:

• Live in Worcestershire
• Are 4 years old at September 1  
• Are attending either the designated or nearest school for their home address
• Live beyond the statutory walking distance from the school

Statutory walking distance is 2 miles (3.218 Kilometres) for pupils up to 8 years and 3 miles (4.828 kilometres) for pupils between 8-16 years. The distance is measured by the shortest available walking route.

From September 2007 primary school aged pupils who live between 2-3 miles from the nearest suitable school, and from low-income families*, are entitled to free transport.

From September 2008 this entitlement will be extended to high school aged pupil, who will also be entitled to free transport assistance to a choice of up to 3 schools up to between 2-6 miles.  PLEASE NOTE – There has been no change to the school admission policy and entitlement to transport assistance does not entitle pupils to a place at school.

*Low-income is defined as in receipt of Free School Meals or Maximum Working Families Tax Credits. Entitlement is reassessed every year.

Denominational travel assistance

Pupils qualify for denominational travel if:

• They, or one of their parents, adhere to the religion and denomination of the school (which must be an AIDED CHURCH SCHOOL)
• They live beyond the statutory walking distance for their age (Statutory walking distance is 2 miles (3.218 Kilometres) for pupils up to 8 years and 3 miles (4.828 kilometres) for pupils between 8-16 years. The distance is measured by the shortest available walking route)
• They attend the nearest or nominated denominational school (as identified by the relevant Diocesan Authority)

Denominational Transport assistance is not provided free of charge and a contribution towards the cost of transport is always required. From September 2008, however pupils who are from low-income families, attending the nearest denominational school are entitled to free transport assistance between 2-15 miles.

Visit our Price Structure page to find out more about contribution costs

Non-entitlement - Vacant Seat Payment Scheme

The Authority may still be able to help under the County Council’s Vacant Seat Payment Scheme, which offers parents the opportunity to by any spare seats at a discounted rate on a school contract vehicle. Vacant seats can only be awarded once all eligible riders have been allocated their seat.  

To apply for a vacant seat, please complete an application in the usual manner and indicate vacant seat application on the form.

We cannot guarantee that the spare seat will always be available as requirements for entitled pupils may change from time to time and on occasion, we may have to withdraw the facility. It is therefore important that you do not rely on the service and have alternative travel options available if necessary.

Visit our Price Structure page to find out more about contribution costs.

Severn Card

If your child is not entitled to travel assistance, or isn't offered a seat on the Vacant Seat Payment Scheme, and can utilise public transport, you can apply for a Severn Card. Choose between a Worcester or Worcestershire Severn Card which entitles your child to travel on services within the area (Worcester or Worcestershire). Visit the Severn Card web page for more details.

How to apply for travel assistance

Application forms are available at your school / college and county council officers are usually available at parents' evenings to answer questions and help complete applications

Alternatively, download and print off the Under 16 Travel Assistance form  (412.08 KB), or contact the Worcestershire Hub on 01905 765 765 who will send out an application form.

Visit our Appeals page should you wish to appeal against an assessment made.