Home to School Transport applications are now open and Westmorland and Furness Council are encouraging parents and carers of children starting mainstream secondary school in September 2024, to apply online.

Free school transport is available to pupils who attend their catchment or nearest qualifying school and live more than two miles away (up to 8 years old) or three miles away (aged 8 years old and over). Applications need to be made before the deadline on the 31 May.

Children from low-income families (those receiving free school meals and uniform vouchers, or those whose families qualify for Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit at the maximum level) may also qualify for transportation assistance.

Councillor Sue Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said:  

“I would urge parents and carers to apply as soon as possible to get the best chance of transport arrangements being in place for their child before September.

“If your child is already receiving transport or you have already applied for transport, you do not need to re-apply. However, if you are moving address or school you will need to make a new application.”

Councillor Neil Hughes, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environmental Services, said:  

“Home to School Transport is a vital service that ensures students can access education, irrespective of the distance. I would encourage eligible families to make their applications as early as possible.”

For further information on eligibility and to apply online please visit Westmorland and Furness Council – School Transport

It is important that applications be submitted by 31 May 2024, to enable each council to assess whether a child is eligible for transport, inform parents, and plan routes for the start of September 2024. Applications received after this date may not be processed until after the start of term.