Free School Transport
Support to help get your child to school safely if you live far away.
Last updated: 5 September 2026
What it is about
Your local council must provide free school transport for your child if they attend the nearest suitable school and it is beyond walking distance.
What is involved
You are generally eligible based on the distance between your home and the school:
- If your child is under 8, the school must be more than 2 miles away.
- If your child is 8 or over, the school must be more than 3 miles away.
Note: There are special provisions for Universal Credit recipients with different distance requirements (ranging from 2 to 15 miles) taking effect from the 2026-2027 academic year. Check GOV.UK for exact details on this rule change.
Timeframes
You should apply through your local council well before the new school year begins.
What you benefit from
Free transport (such as a bus pass or dedicated school bus) so your child can get to school safely without you paying out of pocket.