Free school transport in England: when the council must pay

In England your local council must provide free transport to school for children of compulsory school age who live too far away or cannot walk. Eligibility depends on distance, age, household income and the child's needs.

How far is "too far"?

For children under 8, the limit is more than 2 miles to the nearest suitable school. For children aged 8 and over, it is more than 3 miles. Distance is measured to the nearest suitable school, not the one the family chose.

What if walking is not safe?

If there is no safe walking route between home and school, the child qualifies regardless of distance. The council assesses whether a route is safe.

Children with special educational needs

If a child cannot walk to school because of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or a mobility problem, the council must arrange transport even if the school is within the distance limit. Where a school is named in an EHC (education, health and care) plan, the council is responsible for getting the child there.

Low‑income families

Extra eligibility applies to children from low‑income families. From the 2026/27 academic year, children still qualify if the family receives Universal Credit and household income is £7,400 a year or less (after tax, excluding benefits). They must also meet one condition: aged 8–11 attending the nearest school at least 2 miles away; aged 11–16 at a school 2–6 miles away that is one of their three nearest suitable schools; or aged 11–16 at a school 2–15 miles away chosen on grounds of religion or belief.

How to apply

Apply through your local council, which sets out the form and documents. There is no fixed entitlement after 16 — ask the council what help it offers. You can challenge a decision you think is wrong.

What if the council says no?

You can challenge a refusal. Every council has a review process: first a request to reconsider, then a review by an independent panel. Frame your request around a specific ground: distance, the lack of a safe route, your child's special needs or your household income. Attach evidence — the route, proof of income, the EHC plan.

What counts as the "nearest suitable school" also matters: it is a school that will admit your child and offers the education they need. If the nearest suitable school is beyond the threshold, the right to transport can arise even when there is a closer school with no place. Councils' duties and their limits are set out in the government's statutory school‑transport guidance, which is worth citing in any dispute.