Travel to school

How do I qualify

Information about help with Transport to School.

Please also see the FAQ for answers to common questions.

How do I qualify for assistance with transport to Primary, Special and Secondary Schools?

In order to qualify for assistance with travel:

1. You must be ordinarily resident within the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull i.e. habitually or normally resident and not temporary or occasional or boarding.
2. If aged up to eleven years you must live two miles or more from the nearest appropriate school via the shortest available walking route
3. If aged eleven to sixteen you must live three miles or more from the nearest appropriate school via the shortest available walking route.

Will my child get free transport to nursery school?

If your child is attending a nursery unit or school you are not eligible for assistance because our help with transport only starts when children are admitted to full time education in a Reception age class at Schools maintained through the Council.

How do I qualify for transport to Sixth Forms and College

There is currently no transport assistance available to these establishments.

Do pupils with Special Educational Needs qualify?

In order to qualify for transport you must ordinarily live within the Borough and your son/daughter must be attending the nearest appropriate school which can meet your needs. The same distance and age limits apply as described above and you will have to complete an application form. If you find public bus travel very difficult, or live less than 2 or 3 miles from school you may qualify still for assistance.

What if I have Special Needs and walking or travel is difficult?

For people who have an appropriate statement of Special Educational Needs, then transport may be provided up to the age of 16 if it is deemed necessary to help with or enable attendance. This will form part of the assessment process.

For short distances it may not be necessary to provide any assistance; in some cases over quite long distances a bus pass may be appropriate. In all cases each individual's circumstances will be judged on their own merit and assistance provided in accordance with the educational, physical or cognitive need.

The Council may provide help to parents/guardians to support use of, or enable access to a dedicated vehicle, depending upon the circumstances of each individual case.

Will help continue after 16 if I have Special Needs?

Transport assistance for Post 16 students is currently under review. 

If I have any queries with regard to entitlement or completion of the application form, what should I do?

Contact the School Asset Support Team on 0121 704 6610 or email schooltransport@solihull.gov.uk

Contact Details

For further information about transport assistance telephone 0121 704 6610 or email schooltransport@solihull.gov.uk

Education and Children's Services School Asset Support Team
PO Box 20
Council House
Solihull B91 9QU