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This information is for young people aged 16 to 24 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who want to apply for travel assistance to school or college.
You must re-apply for post 16 transport every year.
If you are able to travel:
You could claim travel assistance if you:
Submit your application by 31 May
If you are applying after this date, we will review your application as soon as is possible.
If we approve your application, we can only give you travel assistance once we've received your full student timetable.
Contact the SEND travel team if you need a paper copy of the post 16 SEND travel assistance application form or can't access the document.
If your application is successful, we will provide you with travel assistance to your school or college.
Travel assistance is only available:
If you move out of the Dorset Council area during your course, you must apply to your new council for assistance.
Travel assistance is free if you are aged 19 and over and we agree that you are required to remain in education.
If you are under the age of 19 must pay a contribution towards your travel assistance. This includes students with an education, health and care plan (EHCP).
The travel cost for September 2023 to July 2024 is £860 a year for students under the age of 19.
The travel cost for September 2024 to July 2025 is £900 a year for students under the age of 19.
You may qualify for a half price fee if you are a Dorset resident and meet the following criteria.
You must:
We will contact you via post with details on how to make payment after we process your application. We will offer you the chance to pay in one lump sum or instalments. You can pay by Direct Debit.
If you do not keep up to date with payments, we may withdraw your travel assistance.
You can request a refund if your circumstances have changed, for example, if you have moved house. Please contact the SEND Travel Team if you would like to discuss this.
Find out your options if you do not qualify for post 16 SEND travel assistance.
You can appeal in writing if your application for travel assistance was unsuccessful and refused.
Complete the post 16 transport appeal form and return it to us, as directed in the form. Make sure you include all related information and documentation on your form.
You can only make one appeal per academic year, unless there is a big change to your circumstances.