Travel assistance for post 16 students
Overview
When choosing a sixth form or college placement, you will need to think about getting to and from college before applying and accepting a place.
You and your parents or carers should explore what options are available to get you to and from college such as walking, cycling, car share or public transport.
In 2015, the Government increased the age at which young people must continue in education or training to 18.
Although you must now remain in education or training until you are 18, the age range of free transport available to eligible young people has not increased in line with this. There is no legal obligation on the council to provide free school or college travel assistance to you if you are at sixth form age, since the legal requirements only apply to children of statutory school age 5-16.
Sixth form age means you are over statutory school age, which ends on the last Friday in June in the academic year when you turn 16 but are under the age of 19. If you began studying the course at school or college before your 19th birthday, you remain of sixth form age until you complete that course.
If you previously had school transport, you will need to know that entitlement to travel assistance is different now that you are 16 (sixth form age) and is no longer free. Free transport is still only available to eligible children up to age 16.
If, however, you have an education health and care plan (EHCP) or a disability, the council may offer some students support with travel on a discretionary basis, depending on your needs.
Whilst the council does not have to provide free transport for 16-18 age group, it must publish each year a travel policy statement setting out what travel arrangements are available to enable 16-18 year olds to participate in education or training.
For full information read our Transport policy statement
- Travel Policy Statement (PDF, 324KB)
Apply for transport assistance
So that we can decide whether or not you are eligible for transport assistance to sixth form or college, you will need to complete our online form. Before applying, please read the information below.
- only complete an application once your place at a Post 16 education provider is secured
- by completing the application you are agreeing to pay the parental contribution, unless you are assessed as being on a low income
- your application will be assessed at a panel and can therefore take up to 4 weeks for us to respond to your application
- if your application is unsuccessful, we will write to you explaining why
- if your application is successful, we will contact you with more information about what happens next
What transport assistance will I receive?
Students who have been assessed and are eligible for travel assistance will be allocated transport or travel assistance appropriate to their assessed needs.
In some cases, families may be offered the option of a Personal Transport Budget (PTB) which allows families to arrange transport for the student themselves.
How much do I need to pay?
The contribution for academic year 2025-26 is £582.54.
This can be paid in full, termly, half termly or via monthly direct debit. This will be waived for the 2025-26 academic year for families who are assessed as being on a low income.
If your application is successful you will be sent an invoice with details on how the contribution can be paid.
If you wish to arrange a repayment schedule following receipt of
your invoice contact the Customer Accounts team on 01983 823931 to
discuss.
How to apply
The deadline date for applications is 31 May 2025. We cannot guarantee that transport assistance will be in place in time if your application is received after the deadline.
Transport arrangements including costs will be your responsibility until transport is in place.
Contact the SEND team
If you have a question regarding eligibility or need help to apply for travel assistance you can
- call 01983 823470
- email: EHCP.general@iow.gov.uk