Schools, early years and childcare

Medway Council, as the Local Authority (LA), offers transport to eligible pupils up to the age of 19 years. Please read the information about applying before contacting the School Transport Team for an application form.

Primary school transport

Most primary school children live within walking distance of their school. Some, however, have to travel further and may be entitled to free transport in the form of a season ticket for public transport or a seat on a vehicle hired by Medway Council. Travel assistance is offered for children under the age of eight years if they live more than two miles from the school which the LA calls the nearest appropriate school. For children aged eight and over the distance is three miles. Distances are measured by the shortest available walking route. The council's Transport and Benefits Team can give parents further advice if necessary.

Secondary school transport

If you live more than three miles away from the secondary school which Medway Council calls the nearest appropriate school, you can claim free transport. Distances are measured by the shortest available walking route between home and school which will include footpaths, where applicable. Free transport usually means the child will be given a season ticket for public transport.

Transport for students aged 16-18 years

Students aged 16-18 years or who turn 19 during their first course, may be eligible for travel assistance if:

• they live more than three miles from the nearest appropriate school or college;
• are undertaking their first full time non-advanced course;
• are under 19 years old at the start of the course.

Vacant Seats Payment Scheme (VSPS)

Children who do not qualify for free travel can sometimes be offered a seat under the Vacant Seats Payment Scheme (VSPS). Under this scheme, any unfilled seats on vehicles hired by the council to take entitled children to school can be offered to pupils who are not eligible for free travel. There is a charge, currently £136 per term, which must be paid before a ticket is issued. Please note that travel under the VSPS is not available on public bus or train services.

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