The council provides transport to mainstream schools, special schools and colleges for over 8,500 pupils, between four and 19 years of age. This figure is around 22% of the county’s total school population.
By law, the council must provide free transport to eligible pupils up to the age of 16 and to those attending special schools. If your child is over 16 and attending their designated post-16 college you are expected to contribute to transport costs. There is also a scheme to provide free or assisted transport for parents on low income. Please see the guidance notes attached to this page for further details.
The answers to many of your education transport questions may be found by following the School transport - frequently asked questions link on this page.
How to apply
There are information and application forms attached to this page for you to download and complete if you wish to apply for education transport assistance.
You can also apply online for free school transport, denominational grounds transport and post-16 transport, by selecting the relevant online form link on this page.
If you require information on special education needs transport, please follow the inclusion services link on this page.
Publications to download
The following publications are available to download:
Free school transport guidance notes and form June 2011
Is your child attending the nearest primary school and living two miles or more from school? Is your child attending the nearest secondary school and living three miles or more away from school? If so you may be entitled to free school transport.
For income-assessed home to school transport please refer to the guidance notes attached to this page.
To find out more and to download the application form, open the publication on this page. You can also apply online; follow the relevant online forms link on this page.
Denominational school transport guidance notes and form June 2010
If your child is attending the nearest appropriate denominational school but still has to travel, they may be eligible for assistance.
To find out more and to download the application form, open the publication on this page. You can also apply online; follow the relevant online forms link on this page.
Post-16 transport
In some cases, students attending college are eligible for transport assistance. To find out more about applying for Post-16 transport assistance for academic year 2011-12, contact the Customer Service Centre: 0345 678 9006 or you can apply online; follow the relevant online forms link on this page.
The Post-16 Transport Policy, (DfES Appendix 2) for academic year 2011-12 is also available from this page. There is also a link to the Directgov website where more information can be found.
Extremely hazardous routes - information sheet
To find out more about the criteria for hazardous routes and how to apply for assistance, open the relevant publication on this page.
Temporary seat payment scheme - guidance notes and form 2011-12
This scheme makes use of spare seats which may be available from time to time after all entitled pupils have been accommodated on transport services provided by the local authority. To find out more, and to download the application form, open the publication on this page.
Also available for download is the Your Child's Safety - guidance and leaflet June 2011 - this gives the code of conduct for your child when using school transport.
Data protection statement
Shropshire Council will use the information you provide for the purpose of processing your child's transport entitlement request. It will be retained for a maximum of six years from receipt of an application.