Information about transport, finance and studying for 16 to 19 year olds

Transport

Once a student is over 16 they're not automatically entitled to free transport from home to school or college.

If a student stays in any type of education after they are 16 they can apply for a seat through the Surplus Seat Travel Scheme (SSTS).

Colleges and some schools fund their own arrangements for transporting students and helping with costs. For more information contact the student's school or college.

Transport for students with special educational needs or disability (SEND)

We will consider the transport arrangements for post 16 students with SEND during year 11. Please note that although a student may have, or have had, a statement of SEN or an education, health and care (EHC) plan before they were 16, this doesn't mean the student can have travel assistance after 16.

Find out more about transport for students with SEND.

Financial support while studying

If you think you might struggle with the cost of full-time further education or training from 16, you can apply for a bursary to get financial support. Speak to your school, college or training provider to apply for a bursary. Each one will have their own application and eligibility criteria.

Bursaries

There are a number of bursaries available to help with education costs which can be used by you or your training provider. These include:

• GOV.UK: 16 to 19 Bursary Fund
• GOV.UK: vulnerable student bursaries
• Careerpilot: discretionary bursaries

Student finance

There are lots of schemes and services to help students with money, such as Student Finance England. See managing your money for details of what's available.

If you want to study at university and you have a statement of SEND or an EHC plan, you may be eligible for GOV.UK Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). This is money to support you while you study.

Student discounts

There are lots of schemes and services to help students with money, such as Student Finance England. See managing your money for more information about student discounts.

Healthcare costs

Students are only entitled to free healthcare treatments up to the age of 18, or 19 if they're still in education. These include:

• dental treatments and appointments
• prescriptions
• sight tests
• glasses

Some young people can get help with healthcare costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme if they:

• have a low income
• are pregnant
• have certain medical conditions

See the Save the Student guide to cheap healthcare and dentistry to find out what you can apply for.