Post 16 Transport Policy Statement

This transport policy statement is for:

• students aged 16 to 19 in further education
• continuing students aged 19 and over
• young adult learners aged 19 and over in further education with an EHCP - Education and Health Care Plan
• learners undertaking apprenticeships and traineeships 

Academic year 2024 to 2025 

Under 19 years of age 

According to National Guidance on Post 16 transport and travel support to education and training there is no legal requirement for councils to provide free or subsidised travel support to young people of sixth form age. 

Councils do have a duty to prepare and publish an annual transport policy statement which explains what transport and travel arrangements there are locally for pupils of sixth form age to get to further education. 

Local Authorities have broad duties to encourage, enable and assist young people to participate in education or training. This guidance and duty also applies to learners over the age of 19 with an EHCP.  

Participation of young people in education, employment or training 

‘Sixth form age’ refers to those young people who are over 16 years of age but under 19 or continuing learners who started their programme of learning before their 19th birthday (years 12,13,14). 

Over 19 years of age with an Education Health and Care Plan 

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 which they started after their 19th birthday. If the council provide transport for adult learners under this duty, it must be free - 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 or training at a school
• a further education institution
• a council maintained or assisted institution providing higher or further education
• an establishment funded directly by the Education Skills Funding Agency 89
• learning providers delivering accredited programmes of learning which lead to positive outcomes and are funded by the council, for example, colleges, charities and private learning providers

This policy statement seeks to ensure that students from Brighton & Hove can:

• continue in further education or training 
• access information to help them to do so

This includes knowing what transport options are available and where to get help for support with transport costs.

The council aims to have a clear policy that families understand, to enable 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 stat guidance 29b

Reasonable choice should also include enabling young people to choose an establishment of 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:

• walking
• cycling
• wheeling
• using existing public transport

Students who are able to do so, are encouraged to travel to school or college using Active Travel options wherever possible.

Find out how we support active and sustainable travel in the city.

Learners aged over 16 may access the following concessionary (discounted) fares, discounts, subsidies, passes or travel cards made available by transport providers. 

Bus travel

The following schemes are offered by all bus operators in the city: 

• up to 4 children and young people aged 19 or under, can travel for free when accompanied by a fare paying adult or an adult concessionary pass holder - this offer applies at all times, including peak times, excluding night-time routes and journeys
• all bus operators have introduced a 50p single journey tickets for unaccompanied children or young people under 19 - this offer applies to off peak travel times only, excluding night-time routes and journeys
• special deals are also available to young people who are doing an apprenticeship to get these lower fares, bus operators accept various forms of ID

Photo ID on buses

On services run by Brighton & Hove Buses, the BusID allows you to:

• load tickets straight onto the card by an online account
• use it to accompany a child mobile-ticket on the app
• to pay a reduced cash fare from the driver direct

BusID can also be used as an ID on any other bus operators, except Stagecoach. 

Brighton & Hove Carers Card

Discounted travel is also available to Brighton & Hove Carers Card holders. 

To apply you must: 

• support a child or adult who could not manage without this help 
• not receive payment for supporting this person 
• support someone who lives in Brighton & Hove 

Apply for a carers' card.

More information about bus discounts for young people and bus discounts for students.

Disabled person's bus pass

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 providing the journey starts or finishes in Brighton & Hove.

Apply for a disabled person's bus pass. 

Rail travel

16 to 17 saver

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. However, 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. 

Unizone student tickets

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 person's railcard

Young people aged 16 to 25 can buy a young person’s railcard that entitles them to one-third off travel throughout Britain after 10am on weekdays and off-peak.

Planning journeys

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 only by train.

Most further education colleges within Brighton & Hove have their own travel schemes and parents and students are strongly advised to contact their preferred college to find out more.

Find colleges within the Brighton & Hove area.

If you are 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 to access 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.

Types of bursaries

There are 2 types of bursaries: 

1. A vulnerable bursary of up to £1,200 for young people defined in specific groups for example:
   • those in care
   • care leavers
   • those in receipt of Income Support, or Universal Credit in place of Income Support
   • those in receipt of Employment and Support Allowance and Disability of Personal Independence Payments in their own right - see above link for more information about eligibility 
2. Discretionary bursaries which schools and colleges award to meet individual needs, for example, to help with the cost of transport, meals, books and equipment. 

Schools and colleges are responsible for managing both types of bursary. Speak to your school or college about making an application.

Bursaries for apprentices

Apprentices and those who are currently, or in danger of becoming Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) are also able to get bursary support. 

Read more about subsidised transport for 16 to 19-year-olds in education.

Bursaries for adult learners

Adult learners over 19 can also apply to get a discretionary bursary if the learner is over 19 and either: 

• continuing on a course started aged 16 to 18 - known as being a ’19+ continuer’
• have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) 

All students should first discuss with their school or college student support service whether they may be eligible with transport costs from this fund. 

Appeals for bursary funding

If you are a student on a low income and you have applied, but been refused any bursary funding, you can appeal to the council and ask to be considered for ‘exceptional circumstances financial support.’ 

You are unlikely to be successful in your appeal unless you can demonstrate that you are on a low income and that your bursary request has been refused. 

University settings have funds allocated to them to assist 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:

• from low-income backgrounds
• facing other types of adversity, like bereavement, illness or disabilities

Parents, carers and adult learners should make enquiries 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.

Young People at risk of or who are already not in education, employment, or training (NEET) 

A young person at risk of or already NEET should discuss their access to education or training, travel support needs with their casework officer. 

If you're a young parent under 20 years old, Care to Learn can help pay for your childcare and related travel costs, up to £160 per child per week, while you are learning. 

Care to Learn can help with the cost of: 

• childcare, including deposit and registration fees
• a childcare 'taster' session (up to 5 days)
• keeping your childcare place over the summer holidays
• taking your child to the childcare provider 

Care to Learn is only available for courses in England that have some public funding. 

This includes courses that take place in: 

• schools
• school sixth forms
• sixth form colleges
• other colleges and learning providers, including Foundation Learning
• your community at Children's Centres 

Young parents are also entitled to apply for an Under-19 Bus Only Ticket or for those aged 19 and over can apply for the 19 to 25 card. 

Council support for young people without special educational needs or disabilities  

Choosing where to study at Post 16 is an individual choice, but we advise that consideration is given to the home to college journey when making a decision.  

The council is only able to provide the assistance that is set out in this policy and we are unable to influence existing public transport bus or train services to fit with individual timetables. 

Council support for learners with special educational needs or a disability

The council recognises 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 will explore whether immediate or extended family members are able to support you with the journey. 

Journey length, safety, rurality and the nature of the route are factors for families to consider and 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 with transport costs from the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund before applying for travel support from the council. 

Basic criteria for travel assistance

We welcome applications for travel assistance to young people who meet the following basic criteria, and can demonstrate that they; 

• live in Brighton & Hove
• where they have SEND, usually they will have a current Education, Health and Care Plan (“EHCP”) 
• will be attending the equivalent of a full-time educational course - a course that runs for more than 15 hours a week - which allows for appropriate progression
• have a placement which is the nearest suitable college to their home address, unless agreed otherwise by the council, for example a setting named in the student’s EHCP
• are unable to travel to the placement independently

Assessment criteria

The Eligibility 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 - statutory guidance sets a 75 minute guidance for young people from secondary school upwards - whether the journey could reasonably be made on foot or public transport if the student were 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. the financial circumstances of the family and potential impact of a declined application.
7. other relevant factors, for example, the health of the parent or carer and the potential impact on them to provide transport or accompany the student. 

If you apply for travel assistance, you give the council permission to consult with colleagues in SEND and to use current documents, for example, the EHCP to help the panel understand the individual needs and circumstances of the young person. 

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 be, 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 the cost of travel is usually required. The contribution is reviewed annually. 

Students from families with a low income 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 traveling to their education in the city. 

In 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 ECHPs applying for a course or different course after their 19th birthday. 

For sixth form age students, without ECHPs, with low income applying for travel assistance they or their families must be receiving one of the following benefits or tax credits: 

• Free school meals
• Income Support
• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income related Employment and Support Allowance
• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)
• 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. 

Determining whether you are receiving maximum Working Tax Credit

When tax credits are first awarded, or following a change in household circumstances, HM Revenue and Customs issue a ‘tax credits award notice’ detailing the breakdown and amount of the award. 

Part two of the award notice gives details of ‘How we work out your tax credits’ including details of 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 is therefore readily apparent from the award notice whether a person is receiving maximum WTC or a reduced sum due to income. Where there is 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 be in receipt of 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 you are in receipt of the maximum level of Working Tax Credit.

Our Welfare Rights Team can help with questions and problems on a range of social security benefit and tax credit issues.

An invoice will be sent, and you'll need to pay either annually or termly. You can 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 the council will always first contact the parent or carer to try and avoid this action.

If you qualify under low-income criteria and your circumstances change part way through the year you must let us know. 

If a student has paid the Post-16 contribution and no longer requires transport assistance then a refund would be offered if the amount contributed is over and above the cost spent on the transport to date. Any remaining contribution would be refunded. Reimbursements for travel costs incurred before application cannot be made.

Send an email to hometoschooltransport@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

Transport arrangements for adult learners is set out in 509F and 508G of the Education Act 1996.

If a young person applies for a course or different course after their 19th birthday the criteria set out for 16 to 19 students applies.

Assessment criteria 

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, whether independent travel training is taking part as 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: 

1. recent evidence from a relevant health and/or educational professional regarding the SEND of the adult learner and how this impacts on the need for travel assistance, their ability to walk or travel on public transport, accompanied or otherwise; 
2. a copy of the adult learner’s care and support plan (if applicable); 
3. where the parent or carer is stated as being the primary carer or advocate for the adult learner, further evidence may be required regarding the support with transport - if any -  they are able to provide and when. In the case of adult learners, if the council agrees 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 and 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. 

Types of travel support

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 the council at the time, appropriate to the student’s needs. 

This may be one of the following:  

• a Personal Travel Budget (PTB) - option of a Personal Travel Budget (PTB)
• a travel pass, for example bus or train travel cards
• a mileage payment, currently at 52p per mile, four journeys a day
• a place on a contracted vehicle
  • Independent Travel Training needs can be discussed as part of the preparation for adulthood discussions both with SEND case worker and colleges.
  • Independent Travel Training  

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 which require travel with specialist staff, such as a nurse or support staff or with medical equipment. 

Following successful application and individual assessment, we will write to you and set out which option(s) we are able to 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 where they are, in the council’s view, necessary to meet a student’s individual needs or the combined needs of a group of students. 

We assess all young people's transports needs, individually on a case-by-case basis, with all the information provided. We may ask for further information after application. 

The council does not provide travel assistance to:

• work experience placements
• medical appointments 
• other off-site visits

Responsibility for this remains with the parents or carers, or 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 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 level of qualification already achieved may not necessarily be successful in their application for travel support. 

The council do not normally offer assistance to students taking part-time courses. However, students who feel they may have an exceptional case may put this in writing and return an application form for special consideration. 

Assistance is not given for attendance at private schools or colleges, unless named in the EHCP. 

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 or transport in the middle of the day. You are encouraged 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 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 the council’s fostering teams (agencies and in house) to carers 

If a student chooses to change career direction or course this may affect their eligibility for travel assistance. 

Following successful application and individual assessment, we will write to you and set out which option(s) we are able to 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.  

Change of circumstances

In every case, travel assistance will be reviewed following a change in circumstances including:

• house moves
• changes in placement or course
• a change in the student’s needs (condition, medication or equipment)
• any other change in circumstances which may be relevant

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. Home To School Transport 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.

Withdrawal of travel assistance

Travel assistance will not be withdrawn during an academic year, except if:

• a student has successfully completed a programme of independent travel training
• a student’s circumstances have changed significantly

Once a place at a college or education provision has been secured, you can apply for travel assistance.  

Start of year applications

We have set a deadline of 31 May so that we can get the transport ready for a September start. We're not always able to guarantee that travel assistance will be in place for the start of the academic year if applications are received after this date. 

Mid-year applications

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:

• 7 working days during term time
• 14 working days outside of term time

We aim to have arrangements in place within 5 working days of the decision.

Apply for travel assistance

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:

• phone 01273 293 501 
• send an email to post16transport@brighton-hove.gov.uk

For more information and support contact Amaze:

• phone 01273 772 289
• send an email to sendiass@amazesussex.org.uk

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. 

Stage 1 appeal

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 the council’s 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. 

Stage 2 appeal

If you are 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 three officers of the council 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. 

Make a complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman

You also have the right to make a complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) if you consider that there was a failure to comply with the procedural rules or if you consider there to have been any other irregularities in the way the appeal has been handled.

The internal review or appeal process must be completed before making a referral to the LGO. 

Learn more about our appeals process.

If you're unhappy with any aspect of the transport service, contact Home to School Transport:

• phone 01273 293 501
• send an email to post16transport@brighton-hove.gov.uk

How to make a complaint.

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 is 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.