2024 to 2025
This transport policy statement is for:
According to National Guidance on Post 16 transport and travel support to education and training, there's no legal requirement for councils to provide free or subsidised travel support to young people of sixth form age.
Councils have a duty to prepare and publish an annual transport policy statement, which explains the local transport and travel arrangements for pupils of sixth form age to get to further education.
Local Authorities have broad duties to encourage, enable and assist young people in education or training. This guidance and duty also applies to learners over the age of 19 with an EHC plan.
Read more about the participation of young people in education, employment or training.
‘Sixth form age’ refers to both:
This policy uses the term ‘post 16’ to include both learners of sixth form age and those with learning difficulties/disabilities up to the age of 25.
The adult duty applies only to young people who are attending a course that they started after their 19th birthday. If the council provides transport for adult learners under this duty, it must be free under the Education Act (1996) (508G 509F).
This policy statement uses the term ‘post 16’ to include both learners of sixth form age and those with learning difficulties or disabilities from 19 up to the age of 25.
Education or training refers to learning in:
It also includes learning providers delivering accredited programmes of learning which lead to positive outcomes and are funded by the council, for example:
This policy statement seeks to ensure that students from Brighton & Hove can:
This includes knowing what transport options are available and where to get help for support with transport costs.
We aim to have a clear policy that families understand, enabling learners to make informed choices about where to study post-16, and to signpost them to other available support as appropriate.
Young people should have a reasonable opportunity to choose between the courses available to them at 16 and be supported to access their choices both within and outside of Brighton & Hove (page 11, statutory guidance 29b)
A reasonable choice should also include enabling young people to choose education or training that is not the closest to where they live, if it makes sense to do so.
Active travel is the term used to describe getting around the city in a way that's healthy for people and better for the environment, including:
Students who can are encouraged to travel to school or college using active travel options wherever possible.
Learners aged over 16 may access the following concessionary (discounted) fares, discounts, subsidies, passes or travel cards made available by transport providers.
The following schemes are offered by all bus operators in the city:
Bus operators accept various forms of ID.
On services run by Brighton & Hove Buses, the BusID allows you to:
BusID can also be used as an ID on any other bus operators, except Stagecoach.
Discounted travel is also available to Brighton & Hove Carers Card holders.
To apply, you must:
More information about bus discounts for young people and bus discounts for students.
The Disabled Person’s Bus Pass offers free travel on buses at any time of day. Students of any age with a physical or learning difficulty may be eligible.
There is no restriction for Brighton & Hove residents using the Disabled Person’s Bus Pass, provided the journey starts or finishes in Brighton & Hove.
Apply for a disabled person's bus pass.
16 and 17-year-olds with the 16 to 17 Saver will be eligible for 50% off standard Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance and Season tickets. The 16 to 17 Saver is available to buy for £30 on the 16 to 17 Saver website.
The 16 to 17 Saver is valid for one year or up until the holder’s 18th birthday, whichever comes first.
Season tickets bought with a 16 to 17 Saver discount before it expires can be used for up to 4 months after the expiry date.
If you’re studying in or around Brighton or Worthing, the Unizone ticket gives you unlimited travel at a discount. Read more about Southern Rail's Unizone student tickets.
Young people aged 16 to 25 can buy a young person’s railcard that entitles them to one-third off travel throughout Britain:
Students may also find the Traveline website helpful for planning any public transport journeys to and from school and college.
National Rail Enquiries gives details for journey planning for those travelling by train.
Most further education colleges within Brighton & Hove have their own travel schemes. We advise parents/carers and students to contact their preferred college to find out more.
Find colleges within the Brighton & Hove area.
If you're considering a school or college outside of the local authority area, refer to the college’s website.
Schools and colleges have funds allocated to them to assist the most disadvantaged learners in accessing their courses.
The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund provides financial support to help young people overcome barriers so they can remain in education.
Find out more about the Bursary Fund and eligibility criteria.
There are 2 types of bursaries:
Schools and colleges are responsible for managing both types of bursary. Speak to your school or college about applying.
You can also get bursary support if you're:
Read more about subsidised transport for 16 to 19-year-olds in education.
Adult learners over 19 can also apply for a discretionary bursary if the learner is over 19 and either:
All students should first discuss with their school or college student support service whether they may be eligible for transport costs from this fund.
If you're a student on a low income and have applied but been refused any bursary funding, you can appeal to us. You can ask to be considered for ‘exceptional circumstances financial support.’
You are unlikely to be successful in your appeal unless you can demonstrate that you're on a low income and that your bursary request has been refused.
University settings have funds allocated to them to help the most disadvantaged learners to access their courses. These funds are called Hardship Funds and can be issued in addition to Bursary Funds.
Generally, student hardship funds are offered to students:
Parents, carers and adult learners should speak to their university’s Student Services or Learning Support for information about how to access the Hardship Fund.
Read more about university and college Hardship Funds.
A young person at risk of (or already) NEET should discuss their travel support needs to access to education or training with their Casework Officer.
If you're a young parent under 20 years old, Care to Learn can help you pay for your childcare and related travel. This can be up to £160 per child per week, while you're learning.
Care to Learn can help with the cost of:
Care to Learn is only available for courses in England that have some public funding.
This includes courses that take place in:
Young parents are also entitled to apply for an Under-19 Bus Only Ticket, or those aged 19 and over can apply for the 19 to 25 card.
Choosing where to study post-16 is an individual choice, but we advise that you consider the home to college journey when making a decision.
We're only able to provide the assistance set out in this policy. We're unable to influence existing public transport bus or train services to suit individual timetables.
We recognise that some disabled students may not be able to travel to college or further education independently and may need assistance.
In the first instance, we'll explore whether immediate or extended family members can support you with the journey.
Journey length, safety, rurality and the nature of the route are factors for families to consider. These issues do not, in themselves, give an entitlement to transport assistance.
All students should discuss with their setting’s student support service whether they may be eligible for transport costs from the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund before applying for travel support from the council.
We welcome applications for travel assistance to young people who meet the following basic criteria, and can demonstrate that they:
The Eligibility Panel will use the following assessment criteria to consider the application:
If you apply for travel assistance, you permit us to:
We may also, within reason, ask parent carers for written evidence to support any reasons given for not being available to assist the young person with their transport needs. This might include, but is not limited to, a letter from an employer or a medical professional.
Where travel assistance is agreed for a student of sixth form age (16 to 19 years old), a contribution towards travel costs is usually required. This is reviewed annually.
Students from families with low incomes will not be required to make a financial contribution.
The contribution is set at the same level as a Student City Saver, which is the typical cost for a student travelling to their education in the city.
For the academic year 2024 to 2025, this is £410 per year. This is the equivalent of a Student City Saver ticket.
The contribution payment will increase in line with Brighton & Hove Bus Company prices.
Further free transport provided by taxi or minibus would only be considered in exceptional circumstances. For example, where young people require extensive and complex care, and must travel in a vehicle with specialist professional support and/or large or essential medical equipment.
There is no parental financial contribution towards travel assistance for post-19 adult learners with EHC plans applying for a course after their 19th birthday.
For sixth-form-age students, without EHC plans, with low income applying for travel assistance, they or their families must be receiving one of the following benefits or tax credits:
Eligible students will be reimbursed by calculating the cheapest available fare for the journey and paying those expected costs which exceed the first £10.80 per week.
As a Saver ticket bought with a Bus ID Card allows travel across the city for less than £10.80 per week, this means that, in normal circumstances, help is not offered to students attending colleges within Brighton & Hove.
The definition of a family on a low income may be changed following the government's review of the benefit system or future guidance.
When tax credits are first awarded, or following a change in household circumstances, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) issue a ‘tax credits award notice’ detailing the breakdown and amount of the award.
Part 2 of the award notice gives details of ‘how we work out your tax credits’, including the full WTC elements. This is the maximum amount a customer can receive in WTC in any year.
It then lists ‘any reduction due to your income’ and shows the net amount payable. It's therefore readily apparent from the award notice whether a person is receiving maximum WTC or a reduced sum due to income. Where there's a reduction due to your income in this section, then you would not qualify for travel assistance.
The figure for any reduction due to your income must be £0.00 to receive the maximum level of Working Tax Credit.
If you present a review notification (TC603R), this should show a maximum income of £6,420 to evidence that you receive the maximum level of Working Tax Credit.
Our Welfare Rights Team can help with questions and problems on a range of social security benefits and tax credit issues.
An invoice will be sent, and you'll need to pay either annually or termly. You can pay in monthly instalments if you prefer.
Payment is usually made via Direct Debit except where another payment method has been agreed.
Payment will not usually be requested until transport has been arranged. Transport may be ceased if payments are not made on schedule. If this occurs, we'll always first contact the parent or carer to try to avoid this action.
If you qualify under low-income criteria and your circumstances change partway through the year, you must let us know.
If a student has paid the post-16 contribution and no longer requires transport assistance, a refund is offered if the amount contributed is over and above the cost spent on transport to date.
Any remaining contribution would be refunded. Reimbursements for travel costs incurred before the application cannot be made.
To find out more about refunds, send an email to hometoschooltransport@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
Transport arrangements for adult learners are set out in 509F and 508G of the Education Act 1996.
If a young person applies for a course or a different course after their 19th birthday, the criteria set out for 16 to 19 students applies.
The Panel will use the following assessment criteria to consider the application:
1. The age, capabilities, vulnerabilities and needs of the student (using information provided by the student, family, education and health professionals and documents where appropriate).
2. The nature of the journey in terms of accessibility, safety, active travel and public transport options, complexity and how long it might reasonably take (the guidance sets a 75-minute guidance for young people from secondary school upwards); whether the journey on foot or public transport could be reasonably made if the student is accompanied.
3. Whether a Travel Companion or Buddy could enable the student to travel semi-independently and as ‘actively and sustainably’ as possible (but without additional duress).
4. Whether immediate family or family network members are consistently available to support the student with their journey, and if they have a suitable vehicle available.
5. The student's needs relating to travel, for example, whether the student has complex needs, and/or requires a second person on transport, if independent travel is a realistic goal, and whether this has been actively encouraged by the family.
6. Advice from the college, for example, on whether Independent Travel Training (ITT) is part of the programme.
7. What arrangements have been considered or tried, and why they are not suitable.
8. Other circumstances relevant to each case.
The following evidence may be required in addition to an application for travel assistance:
In the case of adult learners, if we agree that transport is necessary, it will be provided free of charge.
Young people assessed as needing some help with their transport will be risk-assessed for their immediate needs. The most cost-effective suitable mode of travel support will be arranged.
For students who can access public transport, a journey time of up to 75 minutes each way is considered reasonable according to national guidance for best practice.
Where a young person with SEND is assessed as eligible for some help with their transport, the type of travel assistance provided will be the most cost-effective available to us at the time, appropriate to the student’s needs.
This may be one of the following:
Independent Travel Training (ITT) needs can be discussed as part of the preparation for adulthood discussions, both with their SEND caseworker and college.
Taxis will usually only be provided to sixth form and adult learners if necessity is proven, for example, for students with severe disabilities and/or health needs requiring travel with:
Following a successful application and individual assessment, we'll write to you and set out which option(s) we can offer and what you should do if you wish to take up the travel assistance that has been allocated.
The role of a VPA will be to provide general supervision and ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
VPAs are supplied on transport for post-16 students if they are (in our view) necessary to meet:
We assess all young people's transport needs, individually on a case-by-case basis, with all the information provided.
We may request more information after the application.
We do not provide travel assistance for:
Responsibility for this remains with the parents or carers, or the school or college, as appropriate.
Transport assistance is only ever provided to one address. If there is a 50/50 split of residence under a court order, the household receiving any child benefit, or the student’s own benefit, would be considered the main address.
Students wishing to undertake a new course at the same or similar level to a qualification already achieved may not be successful in their application.
We do not usually offer assistance to students in part-time courses. However, students who feel they may have an exceptional case may complete an application form for special consideration.
Assistance is not given for attendance at private schools or colleges, unless named in the EHC plan.
Transport will not generally make adjustments for individual timetables, preferences or before/after college activities, unless there is an evidenced need that supports an individual-specific adjustment.
We encourage you to discuss any concerns or questions about the college timetable and transport arrangements with your college.
Any transport arrangements required by students outside of the sixth form provision should be discussed with the provider.
Students looked after by the local authority must use the same eligibility criteria as other children and students. However, arrangements should be made and funded by the carer, as funding for this is provided in the allowances paid by our fostering teams (agencies and in-house).
If a student chooses to change career direction or course, this may affect their eligibility for travel assistance.
Following a successful application and individual assessment, we'll write to you and set out which option(s) we can offer and what you should do if you wish to take up the travel assistance that has been allocated.
Travel assistance is agreed and will roll over unless there are any changes.
In every case, travel assistance will be reviewed following a change in circumstances, including:
Following an incident on transport, it may be necessary to pause provision until a further risk assessment has been carried out to make sure that the student can be transported safely.
If this occurs, parents or carers may be responsible for transport until the situation has been resolved. The Home to School Transport Service will discuss interim arrangements.
Eligibility for transport support is determined by the Home to School Transport Eligibility Panel.
Learn how Home to School Transport process applications.
Travel assistance will not be withdrawn during an academic year, except if:
Once a place at a college or educational institution has been secured, you can apply for travel assistance.
We have set a deadline of 31 May so that we can get the transport ready for a September start.
We cannot guarantee that travel assistance will be in place for the start of the academic year if applications are received after this date.
If you're transferring to a college during the academic year, you can also apply. We aim to assess and provide a decision on mid-year applications within:
We aim to have arrangements in place within 5 working days of the decision.
Apply for help with home-to-school transport.
If you need help understanding this policy or further support to apply for travel assistance, contact the transport team:
For more information and support, contact Amaze:
Amaze's advice line is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5pm. You can leave a message at any time, and someone will get back to you.
If we've refused your request for assistance with travel, you can ask us to review the decision.
Any request for review should be made in writing or by email to the Post 16 Transport Team within 20 working days of our decision.
Within 20 working days of receipt of the applicant’s request, a senior officer within the council will review the decision under a Stage 1 Appeal.
If you're unhappy with the outcome of the review, you have 20 working days in which to appeal further to an independent panel of officers, under a Stage 2 Appeal.
The Panel will be made up of 3 Council Officers who had no involvement in the Stage 1 decision to decline help with transport.
The Appeal Panel will review the appeal within 40 days of receipt of the request. The Panel does have the power to reach a different decision in individual cases.
You have the right to make a complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) if you consider that:
The internal review or appeal process must be completed before making a referral to the LGO.
If you're unhappy with any aspect of the transport service, contact the Home to School Transport Team:
If a complaint about a transport provider is upheld, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken by the transport provider.
In extreme cases, the contract with a transport company may be terminated.
Every year we will consult with young people of sixth form age and their parents, as well as other stakeholders, on the Post 16 Transport Policy statement before it's finalised.
The Policy could be changed in the future, and the current support available does not amount to a legitimate expectation that it will continue to be offered.