Dorset Post 16 Transport Policy 2024 to 2025

2.1 Criteria for additional support

Young people aged between 16-18 and fulfilling the criteria set out in Section 3 may also be provided with additional support when:

• a professional assessment clearly indicates that a young person would not be able to access existing public transport routes to a place of learning because of their SEN or disability, and meet the qualifying criteria
• a young person is within the 3 mile distance criteria of a school but a professional assessment clearly indicates that a young person would not be able to access to their place of learning because of their SEND or disability

2.2 Supplementary information

Types of assistance that may be provided are:

• Personal Travel Budgets (PTB's)
• Contract Bus/Council Fleet
• Mini Bus
• Taxi
• vehicle used by other Council directorates
• fuel contribution, if it is shown to be a cost effective solution (Families should be prepared to use their own vehicle where there are no suitable or appropriate alternative arrangements in place). The rate paid to families, is for the shortest available driven route only (45p per mile x return journey/s). There is an additional allowance of 10p per mile for those with EHCP’s.

2.3 The terms and conditions

Provision of dedicated transport is subject to the following conditions:

• assisted transport will only be provided for one inward and one outward journey to/from college at the beginning and end of the college day. This may not be according to the start and finish of the timetable day
• assisted transport will only be provided between the same pick up/drop off points each day. If other destinations are required this will be parent/carer preference which they will have to organise and pay for
• transport is not provided for induction or taster days or work experience
• if students move outside of the Dorset Council area part way through their course, transport assistance will cease and they must apply to their new Local Authority for assistance
• the Council expects students to travel by public transport where it is available. Independent Travel Training may enable students to progress to using buses and/or trains. Please contact the school or college who may be able to access limited funds through Dorset Council to support this activity
• students who travel on contract bus routes or taxi with other students, have no choice as to the time for outward or return journeys

2.4 Application process

Applications for transport assistance must be received by the:

SEN Team

Dorset Council

County Hall

Dorchester

DT1 1XJ

by 31 May prior to the start of the course.

A young person must re-apply for transport for each year of study.

2.5 Charges and contributions

All young people will contribute towards the cost of transport.

For 2024/2025, Dorset Council has set this amount at £900.

If the family is on Maximum Working Credits or the student is entitled to free school meals, this will be reduced by 50%, consistent with the overall Post 16 Transport provision. (See Section 3)

In exceptional circumstances, the eligibility criteria with regard to ‘live over 3 miles from their nearest and/or appropriate school/college’ may be dis-applied for a young person with significant disability and/or mobility need and the contribution would be reduced by 50%.

Dorset Council is committed to supporting families in accessing post 16 education and has in addition set up the Local Authority 16+ Assistance Scheme whereby a post 16 student can qualify for a 50% reduction in the cost of their travel pass (those passes provided by the OSOO Contractors) or a 50% reduction in the £900 contribution towards transport provided by Dorset Council.

50% reduction in not available on public transport routes or rail.

In order to qualify for assistance under the Local Authority 16+ Assistance Scheme all students must meet each of the following criteria:

• be resident in the Dorset Council area
• be under 19 on 31 August immediately preceding the start of the academic year or up to 25 if a Section139a/Education, Health and Care Plan highlights transport is a necessity
• live over 3 miles from their nearest and/or appropriate school/college
• be in full time education (16 hours or more over 3+ days per week) and
• Families are in receipt of Maximum Working Tax Credit/ Universal Credit, or the student is entitled to Free School Meals or 
• the student had a compelling medical circumstance prior to post 16 which attracted transport support and a case is made for it to continue (applies to nearest school/college only and supporting evidence from the appropriate Medical Officer will always be required) or 
• the student has a compelling medical circumstance that arises during post 16 education (applies to nearest school/college only and supporting evidence from the appropriate Medical Officer will always be required)

Supplementary information:

• assisted transport is only available for one inward and one outward journey to/from school/college at the beginning and end of the school/college day. This may not be according to the start and finish of the timetable day
• assisted transport will only be provided between the same pick up/drop off points each day. If other destinations are required this will be parent/carer preference which they will have to organise and pay for
• transport is not provided for induction or taster days or work experience
• if students move outside of the Dorset Council area part way through their course they must apply to their new Local Authority for assistance

 

Please note, at the time of updating this policy, it is the Government’s intention to enforce the Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) on all routes carrying paying passengers.

In the context of school transport, this means surplus seat pass holders.

This will require that all paying passengers must travel on a vehicle that has suitable access for passengers with disabilities – eg low floors or wheelchair lifts.

As many vehicles used on school routes, such as older coaches, do not comply with these regulations, this will mean that they cannot be used to carry paying surplus seat pass holders.

This will apply to all local authorities in England, not just Dorset Council.

However, it will not affect those pupils who are currently eligible for free school transport or surplus seat holders travelling on low-floor public service buses, PSVAR-compliant coaches or smaller vehicles such as minibuses and taxis.

This is likely to have some impact on school transport operators during the 2023/24 academic year and could potentially limit the future availability of surplus seats as a result.

It is unclear at the time of writing this policy what the scale and timing of this impact will be.

Under Section 508F Education Act 1996 where a Local Authority considers it necessary for a young person between 19-25 to have travel assistance (Section 139a/Education, Health and Care Plans so highlights) in order to access an education institution or training, then the LA is required to provide free travel assistance.

6.1 When a travel pass (public transport) or OSOO seat can be used:

• if travelling on coaches or other contract transport arrangements, which do not involve season tickets, there will be no choice over the outward or return journey details
• if travelling with a season ticket these are usually available for use between designated stops and journeys and at an agreed time, morning and afternoon
• some bus operators have introduced a fare card system which allows travel in the evening and at weekends at a reduced cost. Check with your school/college or local bus operator
• opportunities for tickets, which can be used across transport providers, are not generally available

6.2 Out of Dorset Council area colleges which are beyond daily travel distances

If you are attending a college that is a considerable distance away from the Dorset Council area you should enquire directly to the college about transport support arrangements. Further details can be found at :Grants and bursaries for adult learners - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

6.3 Complaints

Please refer to 5.1 in the Home to School Transport Policy for the complaints procedure.

6.4 Consultation

The Home to School Transport Policy and the Post 16 Transport Support Policy will be reviewed on an annual basis to reflect the changes to costs associated with SSTS fares.

If further changes are required Dorset Council will consult with young people and their parents through the consultation pages contained on our website.

Please refer to other sections within the Dorset Home to School Transport Policy for further information on:

• 2.1 Methods of Transport
• 2.2 Journey Times
• 2.3 Pickup and Drop off Points
• 2.5 Personal Luggage
• 3.1 Advice for Parents
• 3.2 Advice for Children
• 5.1 Complaints
• 5.2 Transport Appeals.

Further information on the 16-19 Bursary scheme is available through the following website: 16 to 19 Bursary Fund: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Schools and sixth form provision

 

Address

Budmouth Academy

Chickerell Road

Weymouth

DT4 9SY

Telephone 

Budmouth 6th Form:

01305 830560

Website 

Home - Budmouth Academy (budmouth-aspirations.org)

Travelling to/from 

There is a Vulnerable Student Bursary and a Discretionary Attendance Bursary. In addition students may apply for a Travel Bursary.

 

Address

Beaminster School 6th Form

Telephone 

01308862633

Website 

6th Form Bursary Information | beaminsterschool

Travelling to/from 

The school operates a 16-19 bursary Fund to support access to Post 16 provision.

 

Address

The Blandford School

Telephone 

01258451121

Website 

schoolbus.co.uk/comp

Travelling to/from 

The school operates a 16-19 bursary Fund to support access to Post 16 provision.

 

Address

Ferndown Upper School

Cherry Grove

Ferndown

BH22 9EY

Telephone 

01202 871243

Email 

sixthform@fernup .dorset.sch.uk

Website 

16 - 19 Bursary - Ferndown Upper School Sixth Form (fernup.dorset.sch.uk)

Travelling to/from 

Ferndown Upper School offer a Transport Bursary. Currently up to £300 to support transport to access Post 16 provision.

 

Address

Gillingham School

Hardings Lane

Gillingham

SP8 4QP

Telephone 

01747 822222

Email 

twhyntie@gillingham-dorset.co.uk

Website 

Financial Support – Gillingham School (gillingham-dorset.co.uk)

Travelling to/from 

The school operates a 16-19 bursary Fund for its students.

 

Address

The Gryphon School

Bristol Road

Sherborne

DT9 4EQ

Telephone 

019358131

Website

School Transport: School Life - The Gryphon School: Sherborne

Travelling to/from 

The school operates a 16-19 bursary system to support access to Post 16 studies.

The school contracts a number of buses to transport students from the surrounding areas:

• Route G800 – Quicksilver Pub to Gryphon via Larkhill
• Route G801 – Yeovil Marsh to Yeovil Hospital to The Gryphon Route
• G858 – From the Sturminster Newton Area into the Gryphon Route
• G802 – Queen Camel – North Cadbury – Wincanton – Templecombe

Paid seats available from Somerset - Request school transport on a paying basis

Paid Seats from Dorset - southwestcoaches.co.uk

 

Address

Lytchett Minster School

Telephone 

0120262241

Email 

sixthform@lytchett.org.uk

Website 

Support and Wellbeing - Lytchett Minster School

Travelling to/from 

The school operates a 16-19 bursary system to support access to Post 16 studies.

 

Address

The Purbeck School

Telephone 

01929550077

Website 

The Purbeck School - Transport

Travelling to/from 

The school operates a 16-19 bursary system to support access to Post 16 studies.

There are also details of various public routes that student can access for attendance at The Purbeck School.

Routes running from The Swanage Area into the Purbeck School.

Routes running from Wool, Bovington, Lulworth.

 

Address

Queen Elizabeth’s School

Wimborne Minster

BH21 4DT

Telephone 

01202 885233

Email 

office@queenelizabeths.com

Website 

Welcome - Thomas Hardye Sixth Form (thomas-hardye.net)

Travelling to/from 

The Thomas Hardye School have a 16-19 bursary scheme that will support students in accessing 6th Form provision.

 

Address

Sir John Colfox

Telephone 

01308422291

Website 

The Sir John Colfox Academy - DT6 3DT - Sixth Form

Travelling to/from 

The school manages a 16-19 bursary fund to support access to 6th Form studies.

There is transport available between Sir John Colfox School and the Yeovil College as part of the Yeovil College Partnership.

 

Address

Shaftesbury School

Telephone 

01747854498

Email 

SixthFormOffice@shaftesburyschool.co.uk

Website 

Sixth Form - Shaftesbury School

Travelling to/from 

Shaftesbury School manages a 16-19 bursary fund to support access to 6th Form studies.

As there is a shared 6th form provision between Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton – there is a free bus service between the two sites.

 

Address

Sturminster Newton High School

Telephone 

01258 472642

Website 

Sixth Form Bursary Fund Policy — Sturminster Newton High School (mysnhs.net)

Sixth Form Transport — Sturminster Newton High School (mysnhs.net)

Travelling to/from 

Sturminster Newton High School manages a 16-19 bursary fund to support access to 6th Form studies.

As there is a shared 6th form provision between Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton – there is a free bus service between the two sites.

 

Address

Woodroffe School, Lyme Regis

Telephone 

01927442232

Website 

Sixth Form Admissions – The Woodroffe School

Travelling to/from 

The Woodroffe school manages a 16-19 bursary fund to support access to 6th Form studies.

 

 

Address

Kingston Maurward College

Dorchester

DT2 8PY

Telephone 

01305 215032

Website 

Transport - Kingston Maurward College (kmc.ac.uk)

Financial Support - Kingston Maurward College (kmc.ac.uk)

Travelling to/from 

The College manages a 16-19 bursary fund to support access to 6th Form studies.

The College run a series of dedicated routes across the County to assist students to access their studies.

These routes are finalised on an annual basis depending on demand for each annual recruitment cycle.

 

Address

Weymouth College

Cranford Avenue

Weymouth

DT4 7LQ

Telephone 

01305 764766 

Website 

Funding, Finance and Bursary - Weymouth College

Travel & Transport and Transport Funding - Weymouth College

Travelling to/from 

The College manages a 16-19 bursary fund to support access to 6th Form studies.

There are a range of routes serviced by the College and other public bus providers:

• Blandford
• Piddlevalley – Piddlehinton – Charlton Down - Charminster
• Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area
• Dorchester
• East Dorset
• Portland
• West Dorset
•  Yeovil

As well as local routes in and around Weymouth itself.

Students can apply for transport assistance if they live 5 miles from the college.

 

Address

Bournemouth & Poole College

North Road

Parkstone

Poole

BH14 0LS

Telephone 

01202 205660

Email 

studentfinance@bpc.ac.uk

Website 

Student Finance | Bournemouth and Poole College (thecollege.co.uk)

Travelling to/from 

• student financial support
• 16-18 year old students
• vulnerable and discretionary bursaries: including
  • College Meal
  • Travel Support

At Bournemouth & Poole College, we can support with the cost of your course and travel costs.

If you are a student who is either in care or leaving care, you would be eligible to apply for a vulnerable bursary, which could include a monthly payment, paid direct to you to help you with those little extras, as well as receiving a College Meal Card and Travel Pass.

Discretionary bursaries are for those students who have a lower income within their families and are currently receiving one of the benefits stated in the criteria Student Finance | Bournemouth and Poole College (thecollege.co.uk).

 

Address

Brockenhurst College

Lyndhurst Road

Brockenhurst

SO4 7ZE

Telephone 

01590 625533

Email 

travel@brock.sc.uk

Website 

Frequently Asked Questions - Brockenhurst College

Support and Bursaries - Brockenhurst College

Travelling to/from 

The College manages a 16-19 bursary fund to support access to 6th Form studies.

The College is accessible through both public and train services from:

• Salisbury
• Southampton
• Isle of Wight
• Bournemouth
• Poole

There are various public bus routes to access Marchwood as well.

 

Address

Yeovil College

Mudford Road

Yeovil

BA21 4DR

Telephone 

01935 423921

Email 

iZone@yeovil.ac.uk

Website 

Yeovil College - Further and Higher Education in Somerset | Yeovil College

Travelling to/from 

The College manages a 16-19 bursary fund to support access to 6th Form studies.

The college is accessible from both Bus and Train routes.

1. Bus - Gillingham & Shaftesbury to Yeovil – (YC1)
2. Bus - Bridport & Beaminster (YC3)

 

Address

Wiltshire College, Salisbury

Southampton Road

Salisbury

Wiltshire

SP1 2LW

Telephone 

01225 350035

Website 

Travelling to College | Wiltshire College & University Centre

Travelling to/from 

Studying at the Chippenham Campus

Travelling to Chippenham

The Chippenham Campus is services by both bus and rail.

Studying at the Lackham Campus -

Travelling to Lackham | Wiltshire College & University Centre

The Lackham Campus is services by bus. The nearest rail service eos to Chippenham (3.5 miles)

Studying at the Trowbridge Campus

Travelling to Trowbridge | Wiltshire College & University Centre

The Chippenham Campus is services by both bus and rail.

Studying at the Salisbury Campus

Travelling to Salisbury | Wiltshire College & University Centre

The Chippenham Campus is services by both bus and rail.

For students from Dorset – there are bus routes into Salisbury from certain centres in Dorset with a range of ticket options

Salisbury Reds - Buses across Salisbury

Morebus

This policy was last reviewed in 2024. 

The next expected review date is 2025.