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Guide: Post-16 transport

Assessment of need

If you are not able to travel by public transport or on a contract vehicle, and you still require support, your parent or carer will need to evidence that without assistance from Devon County Council, you would not be able to get to school or college.

Please talk to your education provider to establish what funding is available. Alternatively, call 0345 155 1019 and ask to speak to the transport team.

The transport team will ask a series of questions to ascertain why you or your parent or carer are not able to make the necessary travel arrangements and the minimal assistance required to remove transport as a barrier to your continuing education.

We recognise that some parents or carers of young people with learning difficulties or disabilities or both may have difficulties meeting parental responsibilities in terms of transport. In these cases, you should contact the transport team as early as possible to discuss any concerns in getting your child to or from school or college.

To be eligible for help:

  • you must be over 16 and under 19 on 1 September
  • you must live in the Devon local authority area (not Torbay or Plymouth)
  • you must be attending a full-time further education course
  • you must attend your nearest appropriate establishment
  • the journey from home to the main school or college campus must be three miles or more

For those who are successful with their assessment of need appeal, transport can take up to and including 10 working days to be put in place, however, during peak periods this may be longer.


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