This page sets out the transport assistance available to students who are Peterborough residents and wish to undertake, or are already undertaking, a full-time study course.
Eligibility criteria for post-16 transport
Please read the criteria to check if you are eligible before you apply.
Students who qualify for post-16 travel assistance who do not meet the low income criteria or do not have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) are required to make a financial contribution towards the full cost of travel that we provide. We review and publish these charges annually.
We provide assistance with the cost of transport to approved courses for post-16 students who meet all the requirements set out below:
- The student must live in Peterborough (their parent / carer pays Council Tax to Peterborough City Council).
- The student must be attending their Nearest Appropriate Centre (NAC) (see definition below).
- The student must be enrolled on a full-time course i.e. a minimum of 15 taught hours per week at sixth form centres either in school or college; or 12 hours if the course is in school or college full-time prospectus.
- The student must be under the age of 19 at the beginning of the educational year, i.e. 31 August of the relevant year, or continuing a course (progression levels are regarded as a new course) started whilst aged under 19.
- A student who has already attained or will reach the age of 19 on or before 31 August in the calendar year of their first application for assistance with Post-16 transport, will not be eligible for support from the scheme. Any student aged 19 or over on 31 August in the calendar year of their application, will only be eligible to apply for support if they can demonstrate explicitly that their course is a continuation of one on which they have already successfully completed the first year of study, having started the course prior to attaining the age of 19. The onus will be on the student to prove continuous study.
Definition of Nearest Appropriate Centre (NAC)
The Nearest Appropriate Centre (NAC) is the nearest school or college (regardless of city boundaries) to the student's family home and / or, where appropriate, is the designated post-16 centre for that family home, able to offer the main essentials of the course required for higher education and / or career outcomes.
Non-availability of particular subject / module combinations at the student's nearest / designated school or college will not normally be sufficient reason to provide assisted transport to a more distant centre. Therefore, if the nearest or designated school or college offers the course leading to the required qualification and / or the main essentials of the course with regard to higher education / career outcomes can be offered, and is able to provide a place, assistance with transport will not be provided to a more distant centre.
If a school or college named on the EHCP is parental choice, and a nearer provision can meet the needs of the student, rather than a parent’s more distant choice, transport will not be provided.
When to apply
To apply for transport assistance for the start of the new academic year in September, we must receive applications by 31 July 2026.
Applications received after 31 July 2026 may not be processed in time for the start of academic year 2026-2027. You may need to make alternative arrangements.
Renewals during term term must be received at least 15 working days in advance to guarantee receipt of passes by the start of the school or college term.
How to apply
If you believe you are eligible for post-16 transport, please apply online.
What happens after you apply
During term time, we can usually set up transport arrangements within 15 working days of receiving an application. It can take longer during busy periods, such as the summer, due to the volume of applications we receive.
We assess each application individually, but plan transport collectively to ensure routes operate as effectively as possible.
We will email you to confirm whether your application is successful. You will then receive a follow-up letter from us once we have finalised your transport arrangements with an operator.
We aim to confirm transport arrangements with you by the end of August.
We receive high volumes of calls and emails about school transport, particularly over the summer. Please only chase us if you haven't received confirmation of arrangements by the week before term starts.
Pay for post-16 transport
- Pay for post-16 transport - whole academic year - £700
- Pay for post-16 transport - half academic year - £350
- Pay for post-16 transport - 6 x monthly payments of £116.67
Circumstances that require you to re-apply for transport
You must apply online prior to every academic year for transport assistance.
If you move home, you must re-apply for transport assistance from your new address.
Replacement bus pass
If your child loses or damages their school transport bus pass, there is a £15 charge to replace it.
We will replace stolen bus passes free of charge when you supply a valid Police Incident Number.
Personal Transport Budgets
A Personal Transport Budget (PTB) is an alternative to transport organised by the council. It is a payment made directly to families giving you the freedom and flexibility to make transport arrangements that suit you and your young person. The amount you receive is based on the distance being travelled from home to the education setting.
All SEND post-16 students will be offered a Personal Transport Budget due to the timetable requirements and to promote independence.