Last updated:
18th April 2024
Travel assistance for children aged 5 to 16
Eligibility criteria for mainstream schools
Your child must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for travel assistance:
1. Be of compulsory school age (the term following your child's fifth birthday until the end of the school year in which they turn 16 years of age.)
2. Attend the nearest available and suitable school (where parents name their nearest suitable school as one of their 4 preferences and a place is not available, assistance may be offered to the next closest school, where the other qualifying eligibility criteria are met.)
3. Live the appropriate distance from home to school:
- More than 2 miles (if the child is below the age of 8)
- More than 3 miles (if the child or young person is aged 8 to 16)
The walking distance will be measured from where the home meets the public street, for example from the front gate to the nearest gate or point of access to the school premises, and by the shortest route along which a child, accompanied as necessary, may walk safely. As such, the route measured may include footpaths, bridleways, and other pathways, as well as recognised roads.
Assessments for home to school transport
Assessments for home to school transport will only be processed following receipt of a completed application form. Home to school transport eligibility and assessments will not be provided over the phone.
Apply now
If your child meets the eligibility criteria, above, complete the following form to apply for free school transport:
Travel expense form
If you are successful in your school transport application, please use our expense form to submit your school travel expenses.
Completed forms should be returned to: schooltransport@wokingham.gov.uk
School travel appeals
If you’re not happy with your school/college travel support, or your application has been refused, you have a right to appeal.
How to appeal
You can submit an appeal by completing our School Transport appeal form (PDF document).
Make sure that you provide any necessary evidence to support your case.
