Home to School and College Transport
When it works well, transport assistance can be a lifeline. We want to know if it works well, if there are problems getting it, if there are issues with any aspect of the running of it, how it affects you, and how any changes have affected your family.
Many families will have been affected when the council changed their policy on provision of transport between home and post 16 settings last year, and others will be affected by changes to the Motability Scheme.
If this includes you, please share your experiences.
It only takes a few minutes and every response helps our Parent Voice team continue to represent your voices.
Information about applications for home to school and college transport 2026
South Glos Council update their policy outlining details about the application process and eligibility criteria for home to education transport every May. This information has now been published for the academic year 2026/27 (starting this September).
Details of the South Glos policy can be found here:
Statutory School Age (5 to 16): School travel assistance for children under 16
Post 16: Travel assistance to school or college for post 16 students
Dates for your diary
Applications for assistance with home to school transport for children of statutory age (5-16):
While applications can be made at any time of the year in response to changing circumstances, if your child is of statutory school age (5 to 16), with an EHCP, changing schools, and you need to have transport in place in September, you should aim to get your application in by 4th July.
Applications for assistance with home to college transport for post-16 students: must be in by 4th July.
Motability Scheme changes
We are aware that the government is making tax changes that affect the Motability Scheme. From 1st July 2026, VAT and Insurance Premium Tax will apply to new leases of Motability vehicles. To find out more, please check the Motability Scheme website.
We are aware that this may impact families accessing the Motability Scheme who use this provision to transport their child or young person to school and college.
Further Information
We know that this can be a confusing process, and you may not be sure if your family are eligible for help with home to education transport. The following sites contain information and support to help you understand what may be available for your child or young person.
SEND and You – SAY, have a quick guide to Home to School Transport
IPSEA have legal guidance around the eligibility criteria for post-16 travel assistance
You can contact SAY & IPSEA directly through their websites if you need to speak to someone about your individual situation. SEND and You- SAY are regular visitors to our drop-in support sessions at our Community Base, where you can speak to an advisor, check our opening hours to find the latest dates.
How SGPC can support you
Pop along to one of our drop-in support sessions or send us an email and our team will help you find the information you need. See details of all our support session opening hours here.
August 2025