Free school bus passes
Some school children and young people in education may qualify for a free school bus pass. The following information sets out the criteria that needs to be.
Children under eight years of age
If attending school full-time they will be issued with a free bus pass if they are attending the nearest suitable school which is at least two miles from home (measured along the shortest appropriate walking route).
Children eight to 16 years of age
If attending the nearest suitable school which is at least three miles from home (measured along the shortest appropriate walking route) they will be issued with a free bus pass .
Change of address during GCSE studies
If a change of address is during GCSE studies (year 10 or 11), a travel pass will be provided so they can continue going to the same school, if the length of journey is in excess of three miles.
Single sex schools
Where parents specify that their child attend the nearest (single sex) selective school, a travel pass will be issued to attend that school, provided that the length of journey is in excess of walking distance, as defined above.
Religious denomination
Where parents choose the nearest school of a particular religious denomination, a travel pass will be issued, provided the length of journey is in excess of 2 or 3 miles (dependent upon the child's age) and the school is satisfied that the parent is a practising member of the denomination's faith.
Short term injury/incapacitation
If a child is injured or incapacitated and so has difficulty in getting to and from school, parents may request that we consider making short-term special travelling arrangements for them. Each application will be carefully considered on an individual basis.
Medical notes from the child's doctor or hospital will usually be requested. Help given in these cases will be limited to emergency provision and will be in the form of a free travel pass, or taxi/ambulance transport if the handicap is severe.
What is the ‘nearest suitable school’?
The ‘nearest suitable school’ for pupils of compulsory school age (5 - 16 years), will be the maintained school closest to home which offers an efficient, full-time education suitable to his/her age, ability, aptitude and any special educational needs he/she may have.
Transport for children with special educational needs (SEN)
We provide a more specialised transport service for children with special educational needs (SEN). Please follow the link for more information.
Other help available with transport for education
As a general rule, assistance in the form of a travel pass or taxi is not provided for pupils or students who are over compulsory school leaving age except in the case of pupils with Special Educational Needs which prevents them from travelling independently.
If we cannot support you with your transport then the following organisations may give concessionary discounts, subsidies and travel passes for:
- students aged 16-19
- visually impaired
- people with disabilities
Please follow the links to the relevant organisation for more details:
Contact us
For more information about transport for school contact us using our online contact form or by using the contact details below:
e-mail: hometoschooltravel@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Telephone: 01902 554139, 01902 554202, 01902 554154, 01902 551219
Fax: 01902 550323
Minicom: 01902 555554
Write or visit:
Wolverhampton City Council
Pupil and Student Services Team
Children and Young People Services
Civic Centre
St.Peter's Square
Wolverhampton
WV1 1RR
Location map of Pupil and Student Services.