You may be able to get travel support if your child is aged 16 to 19 and cannot travel independently because of special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
This page provides key information about eligibility and how we assess your application. For full details, read the travel assistance statement for post-16 learners.
If your child is 5-16 years old, apply for school transport support (5-16 year olds).
Before you apply
Applications are reviewed each year, so you’ll need to reapply.
If you recently moved into temporary accommodation and need transport assistance, email HTStransport@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Who can apply
You can apply if you live in Portsmouth, and your home postcode is:
- PO1 to PO6
- PO7 5BT: numbers 1 to 15, 17, 19, 21 and 22
- PO7 5AY: even numbers 2 to 16
- PO7 5BA: numbers 1 to 18
- PO7 5BS: numbers 6 and 6a
- PO7 5AT: number 1a only
- PO7 5AZ: numbers 1 to 16
- PO7 5AX: numbers 1 to 13 and 15
- PO7 5AU: numbers 1 to 7, 9, 11 and 13
- PO7 5BU: numbers 1 to 4
- PO9 3LN: Caravan, East Lodge Farm only
- PO16 8JH: numbers 78 and 80
If you live outside these areas, apply to your local council.
Eligibility
Eligibility depends on the student’s age, whether they have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), the type of course they’re studying, and exceptional circumstances.
Work or childcare commitments are not usually considered an exceptional circumstance.
Read the travel assistance statement for post-16 learners for full details.
If your child is on a continuing course
A continuing course is one where the qualification, aims, and outcomes stay the same across two or more years, for example, A level Maths delivered over 2 years, with the qualification awarded only at the completion of the second year.
If your child is under 19 years old with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), we’ll provide travel assistance.
If your child is over 19 years old, you can apply to us if they have exceptional circumstances.
If your child is on a new course
A new course is one where the qualification, learning aims, outcomes, unit or course code, or course title changes from the previous year, for example, progressing from Level 1 to Level 2 course. The student isn’t required to complete more than one year to get a qualification.
If your child is over 19 years old with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), do not apply for school transport. You can get support from adult social care:
- for adults with a learning disability, email aldduty@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call 0300 123 4019
- for adult social care and support, email ascoppdadmin@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call 023 9268 0810
How we assess your application
We’ll assess whether it’s necessary for us to provide transport instead of the student or their family. We’ll consider evidence provided in your application, any social care and health assessment, and the Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
We’ll also consider:
- whether other transport options have been considered or tried, and why they’re not suitable (for example, eligibility support from adult services)
- whether a family member or carer could reasonably provide transport
- whether the student has the higher rate mobility component of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and why it cannot be used for travel
- whether the student has a Motability vehicle, and why it cannot be used to travel
If transport assistance is considered necessary, we’ll offer the most cost-effective option.
If your application is successful, the access and entitlement team will contact you to complete the necessary forms.
Concessionary fares
Colleges may offer discounted or concessionary fares. Check directly with the college, or read the travel assistance statement for post-16 learners.
More information
Find out more about school transport and your responsibilities as a parent or carer.
Contact us
Contact the relevant team at Civic Offices if you have questions about the following:
- school travel assistance – 023 9268 8668
- eligibility for travel assistance – 023 9268 8101
- children’s social care – call 023 9284 9111