Weather disruption
Winter weather is causing disruption to services in some parts of the county. Find out what services may be affected in your area.
We will let you know if your child is eligible for free school transport when we offer a school place at a Dorset Council school.
You can still apply online if you haven't been offered free school transport and we will assess your application against the Home to School Transport Policy
If you have been informed you are eligible for free school transport and you are waiting for your bus pass, you do not need to apply again, you can check the transport page for further information
If your child has an EHCP you can find information on School and college travel assistance for students with SEND
If you can't apply online
If you can't apply online, you can download and print a form to apply for free school transport.
Apply for free school transport
School transport applications should be completed by parents/guardians with legal parental responsibility for the child. You will need to provide details about your child, their school and any special circumstances.
Eligibility criteria
Students who live 2 or more miles from school
| Year group | Eligible schools | Shortest walking distance from school |
|---|---|---|
| Reception to year 4 | Within catchment area or nearest school | 2 or more miles |
| Year 5 to year 11 | Within catchment area or nearest school | 3 or more miles |
Students from low income families
Students from low income families who receive maximum Working Tax Credit or free school meals are eligible for free transport.
You must send a full copy of your recent Working Tax Credits letter when you apply.
| Year group | Eligible schools | Distance from school |
|---|---|---|
| Year 5 to year 6 | Within catchment area or nearest school | 2 or more miles (shortest walking distance) |
| Year 7 to year 11 | 3 nearest schools | between 2 miles (shortest walking distance) and 6 miles (shortest driving distance) |
Students attending a religious or faith school
Students in year 7 to 11 are eligible for free transport to the nearest religious or faith secondary school if you receive the maximum Working Tax Credit/Universal Credit or free school meals and if the distance is between 2 miles shortest available walking route and 15 miles shortest available driven route.
You must include evidence to support your application on religious or belief grounds, or tell us if you gave this when you applied for the school place.
| Year group | Eligible schools | Distance from school |
|---|---|---|
| Year 5 to year 6 | Within catchment area or nearest school | 2 or more miles (shortest walking distance) |
| Year 7 to year 11 | 3 nearest schools | between 2 miles (shortest walking distance) and 6 miles (shortest driving distance) |
| Year 7 to year 11 | Nearest religious/faith school | between 2 miles (shortest walking distance) and 15 miles (shortest driving distance) |
Unsafe walking route
Students who live closer than 2 miles to the school could get free transport if their route is considered unsafe to walk when accompanied by an adult. Check if you are eligible and apply.