Post-16
The Post-16 policy is updated annually and the associated charges may increase. Applications for the forthcoming academic year should be submitted from 1 June. If you apply before this date for transport to start in September, please be aware that the guidance notes and charges will refer to the current academic year and may be subject to change.
There isn't a statutory duty to provide transport for post-16 aged students, although we currently offer a contribution scheme for post 16 students attending their nearest Post 16 establishment that offers A-Levels or the chosen vocational course.
The agreed level of contribution for the current academic year is £933 and £299 for those families on defined benefits. Payment can be split into three termly payments, payable prior to the start of each term, please be aware that no refunds are issued for reduced or cancelled travel.
Entitlement will need to be reassessed on an annual basis and necessary evidence must be supplied to qualify for the lower rate contribution.
If you live in a neighbouring authority, such as Telford and Wrekin, you will need to apply to your home authority, even if the student will be attending a college in Shropshire. Applications should be made to the authority to whom you pay your council tax.
Assistance via this scheme may not be the most cost effective option, and in some cases parents/students may get better value by purchasing season tickets directly from their local transport operator, rather than contributing via the post-16 scheme. Therefore, before applying you're advised to check the most cost effective method of purchasing season tickets by directly contacting your local operator. Alternatively you can contact Traveline. We also advise liaising with the college/sixth form that the student will be attending, as many offer assistance with transport and some have their own private transport (on which it is possible to purchase a seat directly).
Apply for travel assistance
Although your child may have previously received free school transport whilst attending secondary school, it's important to explain that this ends once a pupil finishes year 11.
For post-16 students who wish to continue in further education at a college/school sixth form, we offer transport assistance via our post-16 scheme for those students who qualify.
The authority also advise liaising with the college/sixth form that the student will be attending, as many offer assistance with transport and some have their own private transport (on which it is possible to purchase a seat directly).
If you don't wish to apply online, you can download the paper version of the application form. You'll need to read the guidance notes before completing the application form, whether online or the paper version.
If you have a general enquiry about post-16 transport from September 2024, please contact customer services on 0345 6789008. For more information, take a look at our transport policy statement.
For those with a statement of special educational needs
Applicants with a 'statement of special educational needs' or an 'education, health and care plan' must apply through our SEN team. Click on the 'Go to SEN transport now' button to access these application pages.