Find out how we handle school transport for young people aged 16 and over.
We do not have to provide free or subsidised post 16 travel support for students of sixth form age. However, under section 509AA of the Education Act 1996, we must prepare and publish an annual transport policy statement specifying the arrangements for the provision of transport or other support that the authority considers it necessary to make to facilitate the attendance in education or training.
Any transport support is provided at our discretion and will only be agreed where it is considered necessary to enable a student to access education or training. Each application will be assessed on an individual basis.
All young people carrying on their education post 16 must reapply for travel support each academic year. There is no automatic entitlement to home to college transport after the age of 16. There is no automatic entitlement to school/college transport once a young person reaches the age of 16.
For the purpose of this policy, post 16 refers to those young people who are:
This policy is in relation to years 12, 13 and 14.
Local authorities also have a duty to encourage, enable and assist young people with learning difficulties/disabilities to participate in education and training, up to the age of 25. This policy uses the term 'post-19' for those young adult students (19+) with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
This policy statement sets out support available to assist young people in accessing post 16 education and training
The aims are
To share information from the local authority, schools, colleges and other relevant sources and describes the support available to young people entering or continuing with full-time post-16 education.
Criteria for transport assistance
The criteria for transport assistance to be assessed on an individual basis are:
Being a resident of Torbay and
Can meet the needs identified in the students EHCP.
Transport assistance is discretionary and will only be considered where:
Applicants must demonstrate that all alternative funding sources have been explored including bursaries.
Support is unlikely to be provided based purely on parental work commitments.
Financial support from schools and colleges should be accessed before Local Authority Support is considered.
The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund provides financial support to help students overcome barriers to participation.
Students may be eligible if they are aged 16 to 19 and in full-time education (excluding higher education):
Students aged 19 and over may qualify if they are:
Applications must be made directly through the school or college.
Find out more about the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund.
The websites of many schools and colleges provide comprehensive information on the transport assistance provided by educational settings. Students are advised to contact the institution directly for more detailed information, as transport plans may be subject to change.
If you are a young parent under 20 C2L can help pay for childcare and travel costs
A yearly bursary is available to young people in any of four defined vulnerable groups, which include:
The GOV.UK Care to Learn web page gives more details.
Public transport operators, Stagecoach South West and Great Western Railway offer a range of discounted multi-journey fare deals, monthly and season tickets.
Visit their websites for further information. Bus passes can be purchased through Stagecoach in Torbay, the price for 2026/2027 is £984.
South Devon College provides free travel passes if you are:
Students undertaking Apprenticeships or ‘Full-Cost’ courses are not eligible for any bursary funding.
Bursary funding is limited and is awarded on a first come, first served basis. We highly recommended that you apply as early as possible.
We do not have a statutory duty to provide transport assistance for Post 16 students without SEND. Supporting evidence must be provided to demonstrate that transport is necessary due to SEND needs.
EHCP’s should demonstrate links to the named post 16 setting.
In limited circumstances students may be able to purchase a vacant seat on the Local Authority transport – this will not be available till the start of the academic year.
The transport needs of young people with Special Education Needs & Disability (SEND) will be discretionary and assessed individually then they move to post-16 education.
To be eligible students must
We will consider
We are currently engaging with parents, carers and stakeholders regarding the development and implementation of personal transport budgets. Following this engagement the Post 16 Transport policy will be reviewed and updated to reflect the agreed approach.
Independent Travel Training (ITT) supports students with SEND to travel independently and will be considered before specialist transport if appropriate to support students transitioning to adulthood.
This includes:
ITT will be considered as all SEND transport assessments.
Local authorities are expected to target any support on those young people, and their families, who need it most, particularly those with a low income.
Families with low incomes are encouraged to contact the school/college directly and request assistance with the 16-19 bursary fund.
The following students will be exempt from the Post 16 contribution, and no charge will be made:
Clarifying evidence may be required.
Eligibility will be reviewed annually.
Applications for transport assistance can be made from April onwards and should be done so as soon as possible.
Students may appeal against the council’s decision not to assist with transport if they feel there are exceptional circumstances.
Find out more about appealing against a decision.
Students on waged apprenticeship programmes or any waged training or learning are not eligible to apply for a bursary.
Students on a traineeship programme are non-waged, so they may be eligible for a 16 to 19 Bursary Fund.
Students should discuss with Employers and learning providers transport arrangements when planning any job training, particularly outside of normal working hours.
Students on waged apprenticeship programmes or any waged training or learning are not eligible to apply for a bursary.
Students on a traineeship programme are non-waged, so they may be eligible for a 16 to 19 Bursary Fund.
Students should discuss with Employers and learning providers transport arrangements when planning any job training, particularly outside of normal working hours.
Post 19 refers to the end of the academic year in which the student turns 19 years of age, and students are in education or training in a qualifying educational establishment.
Under Section 508F of the Education Act 1996, the Local Authority must provide transport where necessary
Transport will only be provided when the Local Authority considers it necessary to enable access to education or training and eligibility will be assessed on an individual basis dependent on the following:
Consideration will also be given to the
Where transport is not provided under this duty support may be considered under the Care Act 2014.
If you believe your request for transport from the Local Authority has not been properly handled, or if you have a problem with the transport that has been provided, please approach Children’s Services Transport Team informally in the first instance.
You can complain about Children's Social Care if this does not resolve your concern.
The Post 16 Transport Policy Statement will be reviewed annually, and consultation will be undertaken with stakeholders on any proposed changes.
The transport policy statement will be published by the council by 31 May each year and must be clearly dated showing the academic year to which it applies.
Local authorities may amend and republish their transport policy statements in-year in response to complaints.