Isle of Wight Council

School Transport Eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions for this Service

Question: My child will transfer to a new school in September. I have completed the application form you sent me, when will my child receive the bus pass?

Answer: The pass will be sent to the school your child will attend for the beginning of September. In order to travel free on the first morning of the new school year children need to travel in school uniform and the pass will be given to them during the day.

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Question: Can my child travel on a different bus to the one on which a place is allocated?

Answer: If it is essential that your child changes buses you should contact the Public Transport Office on 01983 823710 to discuss your options.

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Question: Can you give me information on the bus route that my child will travel on to and from school?

Answer: You should contact the Public Transport Office on 01983 823710 for information on bus and train times.

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Question: I have paid the full year’s travel contribution for my child to attend the 6th form. Why have I only been sent a bus pass for one term?

Answer: Coloured bus passes are sent each term, in advance, to those parents who have paid the full year’s contribution.

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Question: My child will attend a College or school on the Mainland. Will they get help with travel costs?

Answer: At the present time we do not offer any help towards transports costs if your child attends a college or school on the mainland. Colleges have ‘Access to Learning Funds’ which they can use to help students with their travel costs.



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Question: I am moving house. Will my child still qualify for a free bus pass to their school?

Answer: Contact School Admissions 01983 823455 who can give you advice.

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Question: My child has Statement of SEN/Education, Health & Care Plan; would he/she be entitled to transport to and from school?

Answer: There is no separate transport policy for children/young people who have a Statement of SEN/Education, Health & Care Plan and the criterion specified in the Isle of Wight Council’s Transport Policy would apply.

If you would like your child to attend a school which is further away from their nearest, suitable school, the Local Authority is not obliged to provide transport. The Local Authority could either name a nearer school or name your preferred school which is the further one, but you as the child’s parent would be responsible for the transport costs. However, each case would be considered on an individual basis. Please contact the SEN Assessment & Review Team on (01983) 823470 to discuss your child’s case further and to request a transport application form.

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Question: Where does my child collect their travel pass from?

Answer: If your child qualifies for free transport the bus pass will be sent direct to the school your child attends within ten working days of the form being received in County Hall.

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Question: How do I obtain a bus pass for my child to travel to and from school?

Answer: Parents need to complete an application form which is available from:

• schools
• the school admissions office (823455)
• via Customer Services, County Hall, Newport
• you can complete an online application form using the link below.
The completed form must be returned to School Admissions, County Hall, Newport PO30 1UD where it will be assessed. You will be notified direct if your child does not qualify for free transport.
- Related Link

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Question: Is there free home to school transport available for children attending Secondary School?

Answer: Yes free transport is available to Secondary School students, if you meet the qualifying criteria set out in the home to education transport policy. To view the current policy please click the link below

Also please clink the link below to view the home to education transport policy that comes into effect from September 2015.

If you think that you may qualify for free home to education transport you can complete an application form online at the link below. Alternatively an application form can be obtained from Newport Help Centre at County Hall. If neither of these options are viable please contact School Admissions on 01983 823455 or school.admissions@iow.gov.uk and application form can be sent in the post. - Related Link

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Question: My child is thinking of staying on in the sixth form at a secondary school or going to the Isle of Wight College. Can they get help with their transport costs?

Answer: In September 2014 the decision was taken to withdraw the subsidised transport provision provided to Sixth Form Students from September 2015, following extensive consultation. Those students who are currently accessing this provision will continue to receive transport until the end of their schooling but any new starters will need to seek alternative transport. If you wish to view the Post 16 Transport Statement for the academic year 2015/16 please click the link below. Applications are available from all secondary schools and the Isle of Wight College, for continuing learners. If you are unable to obtain an application from the school please call 01983 823455 and an application can be sent to you.

If you are on a low income financial support to assist with the purchase of a bus pass may be available from the 16-19 bursary fund. Any enquiries or requests for such assistance should be made to the appropriate school/college/training provider that your child will be continuing their education/training with - all of whom have a policy setting out what criteria they use to establish eligibility.

The cost for sixth form transport will be £53.00 per term for the academic year 2015/16, for those students who are entitled. - Related Link

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Question: Is my child eligible for a bus pass to and from school?

Answer: Depending on:

• your child’s age
• the school they attend
• where you live
• the distance you live from the school nearest to your home address

your child could qualify for free transport.

Further details on eligibility for free transport are available in the Home to School Transport Policy. - Related Link

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