Home to School Travel for Young People aged 5 - 16


In Wirral, children aged 5 to 16 can get free travel to and from school if their school is 2 miles away from where they live (if under 8) or 3 miles away (if 8 or older) from where they live. Children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) can also access free transport across Merseyside.

Wirral Council has a statutory duty to provide free travel assistance to assist compulsory school age pupils within certain criteria. This includes pupils who are between 5 and 16 and go to their nearest suitable school and live at least:

  • 2 miles from the school if they’re under 8

  • 3 miles from the school if they’re 8 or older

Are registered at their local school and are unable to walk to school due to a route which the Council has assessed as hazardous.

Are from a low income family (entitled to free school meals or maximum Working Tax Credit) if they are:

  • aged 8 to 11 and the school is at least 2 miles away

  • aged 11 to 16 and the school is 2 to 6 miles away – as long as there are not 3 or more suitable schools nearer to home

  • aged 11 to 16 and the school’s 2 to 15 miles away – if it’s their nearest school preferred on the grounds of religion or belief

Are registered at their local school or the most appropriate school to meet their special educational needs and those needs prevent them from achieving independent travel or walking the statutory distance safely accompanied by an adult.

How do I apply?

In some cases transport assistance will be provided in the form of a travel pass subject to a number of criteria such as the age of the child, distance to travel to school, evidence of low income and availability of a safe walking route.

Apply now

Transport for young people with a special educational need or disability

There is an assessment process for young people with Special Educational Needs or a Disability (SEND). Not every young person with SEND requires home to school transport in a vehicle. Parents may transport their own child to school;  some young people are able to access public transport.

Parents or carers of students with SEND who want to apply for specialised free transport assistance will need to complete and submit a travel assistance request form.

If you need help completing the form:

Appealing against a decision

If your application for home to school transport has been rejected, you have the right to have this reviewed:

Download and complete the form to appeal.

Home to school transport appeal application (PDF, 76KB)