Consultation on the Post-16 Travel Policy for the 2026/2027 school year

Local authorities have a duty to publish their Post-16 Travel Policy by 31 May annually for the school year commencing the following September.

Between Monday 2 March and Tuesday 31 March 2026, we are seeking your views about our proposed Post-16 Travel Policy for the 2026/2027 school year.

We are proposing the following:

  • No increase to the annual post-16 travel charge for a mainstream seat or for a student with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) for the 2026/2027 school year.
  • Continue to apply a 50% reduction to the relevant charge for post-16 travel for a student whose family has low income and is in receipt of qualifying benefits for Free School Meals (FSM).
  • The cost of a spare seat should remain in line with the charge for post-16 travel, including the discount for families with low income.
  • To remove all reference to the endeavour card as this scheme has ceased.
  • The proposed updated text changes (in blue) to enhance clarification for users.

The proposals mean the charge for post-16 travel for the 2026/2027 school year will be:

  • £1,050 for a mainstream student (reduced to £525 for families in receipt of FSM)
  • £780 for student who has SEND (reduced to £390 for families in receipt of FSM

For those on low income, an application can be made via the student’s post-16 provision for support through the 16-19 bursary fund.

You can give your views on the policy by:

Please respond by no later than 5pm, Tuesday 31 March 2026.