School & College Transport

A Brief Guide to School Transport in Devon

Whose responsibility is it for getting a child to school?
The legal responsibility for ensuring that a child attends school rests with the parents. The County Council has a duty in some cases to assist with transport to and from school. All parents are encouraged to consider the practicalities of sending their child to a school which is not within walking distance because it is the parents’ responsibility to get their child to school for the whole time the child is there. It is unwise to rely on lifts from friends, concessionary places on buses, or public transport routes which could be changed.

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Who can claim free transport?
You can express a preference for a place at any school, but your child may not necessarily have entitlement to free school transport. Therefore it is very important that you check whether your child will be entitled to transport and, if not, to consider how your child is going to get to the school you prefer for the whole of the time they will be that school.

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Code of Conduct for all new pupils
We want all passengers to stay safe and travel in comfort.  All new pupils travelling on school transport are required to sign a statement to agree to abide by a Code of Conduct which sets out the behaviour expected on every journey. Parents are also required to sign the Code of Conduct statement to indicate that they are aware of the sanctions which can be imposed if their child fails to comply with the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct leaflet will be forwarded to pupils with the transport application form. Parents and pupils will need to sign the Code of Conduct statement on the transport application form before transport can be arranged. If the child is very young or has special educational needs and is unable to sign the statement we ask that parents explain as fully as possible to their child the need to behave appropriately on school transport and sign the statement to indicate they have done so.

Code of Conduct for Existing Passengers
During 2009 all existing pupils transported to and from school by Devon County Council were sent a Code of Conduct leaflet. Although these pupils were not asked to sign and return a declaration to abide by the Code of Conduct, by accepting the transport assistance offered to them and by travelling on the vehicles provided they are automatically expected to abide by the Code of Conduct.

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Do I have to apply for school transport for my child?

Yes. A transport application form must be completed for every child needing transport to a new school.

There are separate transport application forms for pupils with special educational needs please see the section below on Special Educational Needs.

Primary Schools
If your child is to start Primary School in September you will be notified by the Admissions Team in mid April of the school at which your child has been allocated a place. The Education Transport Team will send you a letter or email during April or May to let you know if your child is entitled to free school transport. A transport application form and Code of Conduct leaflet will be sent to you with this letter. If you have not been contacted by the end of May, or if your child is starting school at another time of year, and after reading the Primary School Transport Leaflet, you feel your child is entitled to free school transport please call 0845 155 1019. It is essential that you return the signed transport application form by 15 June.

Secondary Schools
If your child is to start Secondary School in September you will be notified by the Admissions Team in early March of the school at which your child has been allocated a place. A transport application form and a Code of Conduct leaflet will be sent to you with this letter. It is essential that you return the signed transport application form by 1 April. If you are applying for transport on low income grounds you also need to send us your proof of receipt of an appropriate means-tested benefit.

Failure to return the signed transport application form will mean that transport cannot be arranged for your child for the start of the Autumn Term and you will be responsible for transporting your child to and from school at your own expense even if your child is entitled to free school transport.

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How do I check if my child is eligible for free school transport?
If you apply for a place at the school designated to serve your home address and you live beyond the statutory walking distance from the school by the shortest walking route, your child will be entitled to free school transport.  You can check which is the designated school to serve your home address by telephoning 0845 155 1019.

Your child will also be entitled to free transport to the school nearest to your home if it is closer than the designated school, provided it is still beyond the statutory walking distance from your home by the shortest walking route.

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Are there any exceptions?
Transport may be provided to schools that do not serve the home address where there are exceptional, medical or social considerations that require special attention.  

Transport may be provided without charge to children within the statutory walking distance where a route is considered to be exceptionally hazardous, (please see section on Unavailable Routes), or on medical grounds (please see section on Medical Transport).  Such transport will only be made available to the designated or nearest school.

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How are distances measured?
Walking distances are measured using the shortest available walking route.  This may include roads, recognised footpaths and bridleways.  The measurement is made between the nearest entrance to your house (for example your front gate) and the nearest entrance to the school grounds.  Private driveways to homes and within schools are not included in the measurement. Distances are measured using an electronic geographical information system (GIS).

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What is statutory walking distance?
Normally in order to qualify for transport assistance, a pupil must live within the designated area to be served by the school, and live further than the statutory walking distance from the school.

The walking distance is defined as over:

  • Two miles from home to school for children of primary school age
  • Three miles from home to school for children of secondary school age

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What if I am on a low income?
The statutory right to free transport for secondary school pupils from low income families provides a choice of the three nearest schools to the home address. However, transport will only be provided if the school is between two and six miles of the home address. If your child is entitled to free school meals, or your family gets the maximum level of Working Tax Credit, then your family is considered to be on a low income. You will need to give us proof that you receive the maximum level of Working Tax Credit. Distances of up to two miles are measured using the shortest available walking route and distances over two miles and up to six miles are measured by road.

This entitlement will be assessed annually so parents should not depend on it, as, if your circumstances change, transport could be withdrawn.

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What if my circumstances change?
This entitlement has to be reapplied for every year so you should not assume you will continue to have support if your circumstances change e.g. if your child is no longer in receipt of free school meals, or if your family is no longer in receipt of the maximum level of Working Tax Credit. If you feel you may be eligible you are advised to consider carefully whether you would be able to continue to get your child to the school of your choice if this happened and the transport assistance was withdrawn.

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Is transport available to faith schools?
From September 2011 there will be a change in the Devon Education Transport Policy regarding transport to faith schools.

Faith Secondary Schools – New Pupils Starting from September 2011.
From the beginning of the academic year 2011/2012 new children starting at a school on the basis of religion or belief (whose families are not on low income) will not be entitled to transport assistance from DCC, unless it is the nearest secondary school to the home address and is more than three miles from the home. Transport for these children will be a parental responsibility. This change to policy will have no effect on the duty of DCC to provide free transport to those children from low income families who attend on the grounds of religion or belief.

The Education and Inspections Act 2006 places a duty on local authorities to provide transport to children of secondary age from low income families on the grounds of religion or belief to the nearest faith school to the home address. This is provided that school lies between 2 and 15 miles of the home address, and current evidence of an appropriate means tested benefit and proof of faith or belief has been received. This entitlement is reviewed annually and provision is withdrawn if the family’s circumstances change.

Faith Secondary Schools – Existing Pupils who started before September 2011.
For families who are not able to demonstrate low income, but whose children attend a school on the basis of religion or belief, DCC formerly exercised discretion to assist with the cost of transport to school, provided the home address was over the statutory walking distance from the school (three miles for secondary aged children). Unless they are in receipt of a relevant means tested benefit, parents pay a contribution towards the cost of transport. This contribution will remain at £378 per year from September 2011. There will continue to be a discount of £30 if the full cost can be paid in advance, reducing the amount to £348 per year. Termly payments will be £126 per term.  

Children who currently travel to school under DCC’s existing discretionary transport scheme will continue to receive transport (subject to a parental contribution, or evidence of receipt of benefit being received) until their compulsory school leaving age.

Faith Primary Schools - From the beginning of the academic year 2011/2012 new children starting at a primary school on the basis of religion or belief will not be entitled to transport assistance from DCC, unless it is the nearest school to the home address and is more than two miles from the home. Transport for these children will be a parental responsibility.  

Children who currently travel to school under DCC’s existing discretionary transport scheme will continue to receive transport (subject to a parental contribution, or evidence of receipt of benefit being received) until their primary school leaving age.

For families whose children attend a school on the basis of religion or belief, DCC formerly exercised discretion to assist with the cost of transport to school, provided the home address is over the statutory walking distance from the school (two miles for primary aged children). Unless they are in receipt of a relevant means tested benefit, parents pay a contribution towards the cost of transport. This contribution will remain at £378 per year from September 2011. There will continue to be a discount of £30 if the full cost can be paid in advance, reducing the amount to £348 per year. Termly payments will be £126 per term.  

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How do I apply for transport on faith grounds
Print and fill in the secondary transport form image - PDF icon (83KB - pdf help) or telephone 0845 155 1019.

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Is transport provided for pupils with special needs?
Free school transport is not an automatic entitlement for children who attend special schools. The normal entitlement criteria outlined above applies.  Where transport is provided for children with special needs, the type of transport will be in line with the recommendations made by the professionals involved in placing the child.

There are separate primary and secondary application forms for pupils with special educational needs as it is important we fully understand their needs to be able to provide appropriate transport.

Code of Conduct for Pupils with Special Educational Needs
We want all passengers to stay safe and travel in comfort. All new pupils travelling on school transport, including those with special educational needs, are required to sign a statement to agree to abide by a “Code of Conduct” which sets out the behaviour expected on every journey. Parents are also required to sign the Code of Conduct statement to indicate that they are aware of the sanctions which can be imposed if their child fails to comply with the Code of Conduct. However we would like to reassure parents that your child’s special educational needs will always be taken into consideration. The Code of Conduct leaflet will be forwarded to pupils with the transport application form. Parents and pupils will need to sign the Code of Conduct statement on the transport application form before transport can be arranged. If the child is very young or has special educational needs and is unable to sign the statement we ask that parents explain as fully as possible to their child the need to behave appropriately on school transport and sign the statement to indicate they have done so.

There is a special simplified version of the Code of Conduct for very young pupils or those with severe learning disabilities.  We will try to send you the most appropriate Code of Conduct for your child but if you feel we have sent the incorrect version please contact us on 0845 155 1019.

Escorts
Escorts may be provided for children who have severe medical or social needs. The need for an escort will be periodically reviewed. All escorts undertake mandatory training and they and drivers are checked by the police and are issued with identification badges. If they do not have this identification, and parents wish to validate their identity, they should contact 0845 155 1019. The Special Assistance Team try to maintain continuity of escorts but sometimes it is necessary to arrange relief escorts at short notice.

Medical Transport
Transport may be provided without charge to children within the statutory walking distance on medical grounds. It is the responsibility of the child’s parent or carer to provide written proof from a GP or hospital of the need for medical transport. There should be an indication of the length of time the medical transport is likely to be required. The transport provision will be reviewed regularly. Such transport will be made available only to the designated school or nearest school.

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Are transport arrangements for children with special needs reviewed?
Over a period of time the children and young people travelling to a school changes – some children will leave and new children will join. Sometimes the needs of the children travelling also change.

It is important that we regularly review transport arrangements to each special school to make sure that they meet the needs of the children travelling as much as possible as well as delivering best value for public money.

The two leaflets (below) are to inform parents as to what happens during a review of transport to a special school and who they can contact to address their concerns.

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Photographs on passes for all pupils of secondary age from September 2011
From September 2011 all education transport passes for secondary aged pupils will have a photograph printed on them. Therefore we need your photograph as soon as possible so that we can get the passes printed and ready for September. We will be sending eligible students more information about this when we send you an entitlement letter. It is very important that the photographs are sent to us as soon as possible after these letters are received and by 1 August 2011 at the latest to allow us time to print them on the pass ready for September.

We will be unable to issue a pass if we have not received a photograph, even if you are entitled to school transport and you will be unable to travel on school or college transport.

It is important that the photos are of an acceptable standard. Photos should be:

  • a recent picture
  • colour, not black and white
  • standard size required for a passport
  • no headgear, hats or hoods
  • taken against a clear background.
  • image must fit into the box shown on the form.

Please write the pupil name, date of birth and reference number on the back of the photo in case it becomes detached.

acceptable photo standards

Data Protection Act: The photograph you provide will be held by Devon County Council and will be used for the purpose of printing it on a pass. Where appropriate, the information may also be used by the County Council for the purposes of providing other services. The information will be held securely and will not be disclosed to anyone other than those stated above, without your permission.

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What does my pass give me?
There are two different types of pass for pupils under 16. Pupils cannot request a certain type of pass as this will depend on the pupil’s age and the type of vehicle they travel on to school or college.  

These are as follows:

Public Pass - this pass is issued to eligible pupils of statutory school age who travel to school by public service bus. The pass can only be used at the normal school times at the beginning and end of the day, or on later services provided the journey commences before 1900.

sample public photocard

Contract Pass - this pass is issued to eligible pupils of statutory school age who travel to school or college on a contract coach, DCC minibus or taxi. The pass can only be used at the normal school and college times at the beginning and end of the day.

sample contract pass
(for secondary school pupils)

School Transport - primary school pass
(for primary school pupils)

What to do if your pass is lost or stolen
The pass issued to you is for your use only - you should not lend it to anyone else. For any replacement pass, your school or college can issue you with one temporary paper pass for 10 college days, whilst your new pass is processed. Please note that with a temporary pass you will be able to travel to and from college, but discounted fares will not be available.

Application forms for a replacement pass can be requested from:

The current cost to replace a pass is £5. Passes can be ordered and paid for online, or by enclosing a cheque with the replacement form. Passes cannot be ordered until the fee is received. Please enclose the your name and passenger reference number with the payment. Cheques or Postal Orders should be made payable to 'Devon County Council' and returned to:

Devon County Council
Ticket Team, Room M18
Transport Co-ordination Service
Matford Lane Offices
County Hall
Exeter EX2 4QW

If you forget to carry your pass you will be unable to travel on contract vehicles and will be charged to travel on the public service buses. These fares are not refundable.

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Public bus and rail pass terms and conditions of issue

  1. The Pass is the property of Devon County Council and is issued for the use of the Child/Student named and only between the points stated on the pass. This pass is not transferable, and any misuse may result in it being withdrawn.
  2. The Pass is only valid on school/college days between the dates shown on the front of the pass. It may only be used for one return journey per day between home and school/college. The journey from school must start before 1900 hours and from College by 2130. Students must have boarded the first vehicle of the homeward journey before these times.  If a scholar or student is required to travel after the times stated then he/she must have a letter of authority from their school/college on official headed notepaper which must be shown to the driver upon request.
  3. The Pass must be shown on every journey and at any time during the journey when requested to do so by any official employed by the bus or train operating company or the County Council including school staff. It is a legal requirement that when travelling on any bus or train service you must be in possession of a valid pass. The operating company may consider taking legal action against a student (in accordance with the operating company’s terms and conditions of carriage) if a valid pass cannot be shown.
  4. Should the pass be lost, you may apply online for a replacement or call My Devon on 0845 155 1019 to request a replacement pass application form. This should completed and sent with the appropriate fee (currently £5.00) to TCS Ticket Team, Room 18, Matford Offices, County Hall, Topsham Rd, Exeter. EX2 4QW. Whilst the student is not in possession of a valid pass, the appropriate fares must be paid and refunds of these fares will not be made. The original pass if found should be returned to the address shown on the pass. A maximum of 2 replacements will be issued in any academic year.
  5. If a pass is defaced, illegible or mutilated it will not be accepted for travel and a replacement should be requested as in point 4 above.
  6. Passes are issued subject to the Company’s Conditions of Carriage and Passenger Regulations.
  7. All students are expected to abide by the Devon County Council code of conduct. Passes may be withdrawn from students whose behaviour is unacceptable and endangers others. Please refer to the school transport code of conduct image - PDF icon (1.58MB - pdf help).  Bus or train operating companies may refuse to carry a passenger should their behaviour be of an unacceptable standard, or seriously endanger the safety of the vehicle/train or its passengers. In such circumstances the passenger may be instructed to leave the vehicle immediately.

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What is meant by an unavailable route?
The Courts have defined an available route as one “along which a child, accompanied as necessary, can walk and walk with reasonable safety to school. It does not fail to qualify as available because of dangers which would arise if the child was unaccompanied.” In other words, parents are expected to accompany their children if they feel it is necessary.

Picking up and setting down points
Parents must arrange for their children to travel in safety between the home and the transport picking-up and setting-down points. They are also responsible for their children while they are waiting for transport and when they leave the transport at the end of the day.

Work Experience and Induction Days
Transport is not provided to work experience placements or taster or induction days.

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Concessionary seats
The concessionary seat scheme is aimed at those parents who already know that their child is not entitled to free or assisted transport to school/college.

Where spare seats are available on school transport vehicles and where no public services exist, children who do not qualify for free or assisted transport may be allowed to travel on a concessionary basis on the pre-payment of a fee. These passengers are liable to be displaced if other children, who are entitled to free school transport, move into the area. Children might also be displaced if it is necessary to reorganise a route or hire a smaller vehicle. Seats may be withdrawn at short notice. Unfortunately, it is not possible to offer concessionary seats until after the October half term as late applications from entitled children have to be considered first. Pupils occupying concessionary seats are also required to complete and return a Code of Conduct. In 2011/2012 concessionary seats will cost £167 per term. Seats can be purchased for each half term, or for morning or afternoon journeys only. Refunds are available on a pro rata basis.

To apply for a concessionary seat please telephone 0845 155 1019 to request an application form, print the form below, or apply online.  Pupils occupying a concessionary seat and their parents are required to sign a declaration on the application form to indicate they agree to abide by the Code of Conduct.

On receipt of the form we will check to see if there is a route that links your home area to your child's school. If there is a route, we will check to see if there are spare seats. This may take a little while, as we have to check pupil lists with schools and take into account pupils about to start school. If there is a suitable route but no spare seats, we will add your child's name to a waiting list and contact you if a spare seat becomes available.

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What happens in bad weather?
When there is snow, ice or flooding, school transport may be disrupted. If the bad weather occurs overnight it may not be easy for you to find out whether school transport is running. Local radio stations give out information on school closures and school bus cancellations.

Devon County Council has developed a webpage where, in the event of severe weather, the latest information will be displayed showing both transport routes that are cancelled/abandoned and schools that have closed. The link to the website is: www.devonschoolclosures.info.

If you can’t find out for certain and school transport is over 20 minutes late then this probably means that the bus is not running at all. If you decide to take your child into school yourself, you must also be able to collect your child in the afternoon because school transport may still not be able to run.

When there is very bad weather, do not assume that your child will be taken to school. Please make sure your child knows what to do if transport does not run. If your child cannot return home please arrange that he or she can go home with a friend or relative.

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Complaints about school transport

Eligibility to school or college transport

  • If you are unhappy with the decision about eligibility to school/college transport, please contact the School Transport Team on 0845 155 1019 and explain the problem fully. The decision will be reviewed by a School Transport Officer and, if things can be resolved, this will be done as soon as possible.  If not, you will be told why.
  • If you are still not satisfied you can lodge a complaint on the DCC website using our online enquiries form or by completing a Parental Request Form (APP2) available here or from the School Transport Team. A flyer (APP3) explaining the transport application process and complaints procedure image - PDF icon (163KB - pdf help) will also be forwarded to you.
  • Please provide supporting evidence, for example a letter from your doctor to support a medical condition, a letter from the school to evidence bullying or benefit evidence to support financial circumstances. The information you supply will be treated as strictly confidential.
  • Your request will be reviewed by a Panel of Officers and you will be informed by letter of the decision of the Panel. If, after the request has been reviewed by the Panel of Officers you are still unhappy with the decision, there is a further stage of appeal – to the elected members of the School Transport (Appeals) Sub-Committee. Details of the Appeals Procedure are available in the Appeals Leaflet (APP5) image - PDF icon (412KB - pdf help) or by telephoning 0845 155 1019.

If free transport or a concessionary seat is withdrawn can I appeal? The fact that the child is no longer eligible for free school meals, the family is no longer in receipt of the maximum level of Working Tax Credit, or a concessionary seat has been withdrawn, is not considered to constitute sound grounds for an appeal for assistance from the Council as parents have been warned in advance that this could happen.

Transport provision

  • The Transport Co-ordination Service (TCS) is responsible for planning and providing school transport in the most appropriate and cost-effective manner.
  • TCS set the operating standards and manage contract compliance. It also integrates school transport with other transport needs of DCC and with the public service network.
  • If you have a problem with the transport provided, TCS can be contacted by emailing schooltransportservicequeries–mailbox@devon.gov.uk or by phoning 0845 155 1019.

Is transport available for Post 16 students?
There is no automatic entitlement to free home to school or college transport once a student is over 16. However, the local authority has agreed to assist with travel expenses in certain circumstances.

The local authority considers that the most effective and sustainable way of exercising its discretion is by extending its transport network to include post 16 establishments and to offer transport to eligible students in return for a contribution (normally from parents) towards the cost of this transport.

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Do I have to apply?
Yes, all students who want help with transport must apply every year, including students who continue into the sixth form at their current school. There are separate Post 16 transport application forms for pupils with special educational needs as it is important we fully understand their needs to be able to provide appropriate transport.

How do I apply?
Students who are applying for transport assistance for the first year of their course, or have changed college since their last application should complete this form:

Renewals
Students who have completed a full year of further education study at a sixth form or Further Education college, are under 19 years of age, live at the same address and are studying at the same sixth form or college will need to reapply using the renewal form:

Post 16 Code of Conduct
We want all passengers to stay safe and travel in comfort. All students travelling on school and college transport are required to sign a statement on the application form to agree to abide by a Code of Conduct which sets out the behaviour expected on every journey. The Code of Conduct leaflet will be forwarded to students with the transport application form. Students will need to sign the Code of Conduct declaration statement on the transport application form before transport can be arranged.

How do I know if I am eligible for post 16 transport?

In order to qualify for assistance a student must satisfy the following criteria:

  • Must live in Devon. (Students resident in the Unitary Councils of Plymouth and Torbay must apply directly to their home authorities).
  • Must attend a full time course of education, defined as 16 hours or more of supervised study.
  • Must be under 19 years of age on 31 August immediately preceding the start of the academic year.  (see exception for students with Special Educational Needs).
  • Students must attend their designated sixth form college or Further Education College (please see below).
  • The journey from home to school must be three miles or more measured by the shortest available pedestrian route.

Students who are ineligible under these criteria may apply for concessionary places in the same way as pupils of compulsory school age. They may also apply to their college for financial support.

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Designated Establishments

There are two main types of establishments serving students who are over the compulsory school age: sixth forms and Further Education (FE) colleges. These are defined as follows:

  • Where the school serving the home address has a sixth form, this school is the designated post 16 establishment.
  • Where there is no sixth form serving the area, the FE college is the designated establishment. However, if a student has attended the nearest school to their home address in Years 10 and 11, rather than their designated school, transport assistance may be available to this school provided the student meets the normal eligibility criteria.
  • If a student intends to follow an entirely vocational Post 16 course and this, or a similar course, is not available at the designated sixth form then they will be eligible for transport to their designated FE college.
  • An exception may be made where a student has to attend a particular establishment, since it is the nearest school or college where one or more A levels essential to the student’s future career choice may be obtained. Students will be required to produce evidence of this validated by a university, for example photocopy of current entry requirements, or letter from university stating that a particular A level is essential for entry onto degree course.

It is essential that post 16 students check their transport eligibility with the School Transport Team on 0845 155 1019 before opting for a particular establishment.

Other important information

  • Transport assistance is only provided for one inward and one outward journey at the beginning and end of the official day
  • Students may need to make their way to a pick up point up some miles from their home address
  • Assistance is not provided to establishments beyond reasonable daily travelling distance.  A reasonable distance is defined as less than 75 minutes, where the majority of the journey may be taken on existing contract routes and/or public transport
  • Students who move outside the area served by the local authority part way through their course must apply to the new local authority for assistance
  • Transport is not provided to work experience
  • Where a college operates on more than one site, transport is only provided to the main site.

How much does it cost?

The level of the contribution is set by Devon County Council and reviewed annually. Due to budgetary pressures it has been necessary to increase the contribution for new students. For the academic year 2011/2012 the cost for new students will be £500 per year. If the transport fee is paid in advance in one lump sum a £30 discount is available reducing the cost to £470. The fee can also be paid termly by cheque, credit or debit card or direct debit. Monthly instalments can also be paid by direct debit.

There is a 50% reduction to the fee if new students, or their parents receive:

  • Income Support
  • Income Based Job Seekers’ Allowance
  • Maximum level of Working Tax Credit
  • Guarantee element of Pension Credit
  • Employment Support Allowance (Income Related)
  • Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • OR Child Tax Credit if this is the only benefit received i.e. not Working Tax Credit as well and have an annual income assessed by the Inland Revenue that does not exceed £16,190 (from 1 April 2011 - this figure is reviewed annually).

You will need to provide a copy of receipt of benefit evidence.

For returning students who have completed a full year of Further Education study at a sixth form or FE college and who are continuing at the same establishment, the fee will remain at £378 per year. If the transport fee is paid in advance in one lump sum then a £30 discount is available reducing the cost to £348. The fee can also be paid termly by cheque, credit or debit card or direct debit. Monthly instalments can also be paid by direct debit.

The contribution will also continue to be waived if returning students, or their parents, are in receipt of the following state benefits:

  • Income Support
  • Income Based Job Seekers’ Allowance
  • Maximum level of Working Tax Credit
  • Guarantee element of Pension Credit
  • Employment Support Allowance (Income Related)
  • Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • OR Child Tax Credit if this is the ONLY benefit received i.e. not Working Tax Credit as well and have an annual income assessed by the Inland Revenue that does not exceed £16,190 (NB from 1 April 2011 - this figure is reviewed annually)

You will need to provide a copy of receipt of benefit evidence, valid for the current academic year for which transport is being provided. Please do not send original documents.

  • Transport is not provided to work experience
  • Where a college operates on more than one site, transport is only provided to the main site.

Photographs on Passes for all Students over 16 on 1 September 2011
All Post 16 education transport passes will have a photograph printed on them. Therefore we need your photograph as soon as possible so that we can get the passes printed and ready for September.  We will be sending entitled students more information about this when we send you a payment form. It is very important that the photographs are sent to us as soon as possible after these letters are received and by 1 August 2011 at the latest to allow us time to print them on the pass.  

Please note we will be unable to issue a pass if we have not received a photograph, even if you have paid and therefore, you will be unable to travel on school or college transport.  

It is important that the photos are of an acceptable standard:

  • Recent picture
  • Colour, not black and white
  • Standard size required for a passport
  • No headgear hats or hoods
  • Taken against a clear background.
  • Image must fit into the box shown on the form

Please write the pupil name, date of birth and reference number on the back of the photo in case it becomes detached.

acceptable photo standards

Data Protection Act: The photograph you provide will be held by Devon County Council and will be used for the purpose of printing it on a pass.Where appropriate, the information may also be used by the County Council for the purposes of providing other services. The information will be held securely and will not be disclosed to anyone other than those stated above, without your permission.

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Devon Student Smartrider Pass

Student Smartrider pass

The terms and conditions below apply for the Smartrider pass in the 2011/12 academic year.

If you are over 16 years old you could apply for a Devon Smartrider Pass which, from September 2011, will provide the following benefits:

Your Devon Smartrider Pass will give you:

  • Operator specific PREPAID travel to and from your place of learning. The return journey from college must commence by 9.30 pm.
  • FREE travel after 1800 (6.00pm) on college days and all day at weekends and during college holidays on any service operated by the bus companies listed below:
    • First Bus
    • Tally Ho
  • New for 2011/12
    £1.00 flat fare after 1800 on college days and all day at weekends and during college holidays on any service operated by the following bus companies:
    • Dartline
    • Stagecoach South West
  • 1/3 discount after 6 pm on college days and all day at weekends and during college holidays on any service operated by the bus companies listed below:
    • Axe Valley
    • Beacon Bus
    • Carmel Coaches
    • Country Bus
    • Filers Travel
    • Hatch Green Coaches
    • Jackett’s Coaches
    • Plymouth Citybus
    • Turners Tours

How long is your Smartrider pass valid for?

  • Your pass is valid from the date you receive it until the expiry date on the front
  • If you have paid for the whole year the pass will be valid until the end of the academic year in July 2012
  • If you are in receipt of qualifying benefits, pay per term or your transport is requested by your college your pass will be valid until the end of the current term.  A new pass will be sent for the next term if payment has been received or your state benefits continue
  • The current benefits have been negotiated with the bus companies for the 2011/12 academic year only

Where is your Smartrider pass valid?

  • The pre-paid journey to and from college is valid between the points set out on your pass on the days of the week specified.
  • Off peak travel discounts valid anywhere in Devon on the companies above, including within Plymouth and Torbay
  • The pass is valid to and from the following towns outside Devon: Bude, Chard, Dulverton, Launceston, Lyme Regis, Saltash, Taunton and Wellington
  • Travel will not be allowed on train services using the Devon Smartrider pass. If you have a train pass this can only be used on the train.

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Devon Wheels2Learn Scheme

The current Wheels2Learn Scheme has ended but Devon Wheels to Work continue to offer mopeds for access to education, work or training.

Find out more about the Wheels2Work scheme

Refunds Policy
If you leave school or college please return your pass to the address above. If you have paid for your transport, a pro rata refund may be made on receipt of your pass.

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Post 16 students with special educational needs

The transport requirements of post-16 students with special educational needs will be considered during the transitional planning process undertaken during years 10 and 11. The local authority would expect to be consulted in the transitional planning process with regard to transport provision and parents are strongly advised to contact the local authority to confirm that this has taken place. The following main points apply:

  • Where students have been placed at special schools or units by the local authority, transport assistance will be provided in the same way as for pupils of statutory school age.
  • The eligibility criteria outlined above will apply.
  • Unless the student cannot walk to school or college, accompanied as necessary because of his or her disability, transport will not be automatically provided.
  • Parents will need to submit a transport application form. There are separate Post 16 Application Forms for students with special educational needs.
  • An exception to the upper age limit may be made where a student has been studying a specific course for those with learning difficulties and is required to attend beyond the age of 19 to complete it.  
    • Payment of the required contribution applies equally to students with special educational needs – please see Is transport available for post 16 students?
  • SEN 4 Post 16 Transport Application Form for New Students image - PDF icon (116KB - pdf help)
  • SEN 5 Post 16 Transport Application Form for Returning Students image - PDF icon (118KB - pdf help)

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Where can I get further information?

Local and regional public transport enquiries in South West England can be made with Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 (calls cost 10p per minute from a landline).

If you would like any further details on Devon’s school transport arrangements please contact:

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Devon County Council, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QD

Our contact numbers | Tel: 0845 155 1015 | Fax: 0845 155 1003 | SMS: 80011 (please start all messages with the word Devon).

E-mail: customer@devon.gov.uk