School and college travel information for families
Latest update – 19 December 2024
We are continuing to make changes to improve the school travel service. As part of this work some routes will change at the start of the winter term. This might mean a new transport company for some services. We have notified all parent/carers who are affected.
If we are still finalising the routes in the week starting Monday 23 December 2024, we will inform affected parents/carers during the Christmas period and before school starts on Monday 6 January 2025.
New transport routes
The School Travel Service (STS) has undergone some changes over the last few months as we try to manage an increase in children/young people needing school travel support and higher costs. This started in summer 2024 and will continue until autumn 2025.
When planning, we consider the special needs of the children and where they live, as well as where the passenger assistants live. This might mean some routes will change, affecting some children and passenger assistants. We know these changes will take time to get used to and we thank you for your patience.
How will your child get to school?
When choosing a school place, it is important to think about how your child, student or adult learner will travel to and from school each day. Most families organise their own home to school journey, like walking, cycling, using public transport or lift-sharing with other families.
However, we have a duty to support children, students or adult learners with their school journey, providing they meet specific criteria for this support.
School Travel Applications for September 2025
Please ensure that your school travel application is on time and submit it by these dates.
Applications received after these dates will be treated as late applications. This means that travel may not be in place for the start of the school year.
| Type | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Mainstream Primary and Secondary schools | 31 May 2025 |
| Students with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), including Exceptional Circumstances Applications for September 2025 | 31 May 2025 |
| Post 16 (only Students with SEND) | 31 May 2025 |
Guidance and helpful reminders
View our guide to the School Travel Service for parent carers, co-produced with the Parent Carer Forum.
Remember: Assessment for travel assistance will be determined once a school place has been allocated by Southampton City Council at a suitable school. Means tested applicants and those applying under exceptional circumstances need to apply before the start of each new school year.
Change your contact details
You can use the following form to let us know about changes to your contact details:
Before you fill in this form
You won't be able to save this form to complete later, so please allow yourself five minutes to fill in the form.
Further information about the School Travel Service
Who is eligible for the School Travel Service? SHOW
Children attending a mainstream school SHOW
Students and adult learners between 16–25 years old SHOW
Children or students with an Education, Health and Care Plan SHOW
If you do not qualify or meet the requirements you may wish to view the alternative options.
Policy and eligibility criteria
For more information you can read our School Travel Service Policy and Eligibility Criteria:
| Document | Type | Size |
|---|---|---|
| School Travel Service eligibility criteria | 120.5 KB | |
| School Travel Service and Post-16 Travel Service Policy 2024-2025 | 640.3 KB |
Contact us
If your child or young person is eligible for mainstream home to school transport find out how to apply. You can also read our frequently asked questions.
Children and young people with disabilities or special educational needs
If your child or young person has a disability or special educational needs, you can view the eligibility criteria to find out if you are eligible for the School Travel Service.
To discuss eligibility further, you can contact us by:
- Telephone: 023 8083 3013
- Email: 0-25service@southampton.gov.uk
Co-ordinating travel arrangements
If you require assistance regarding co-ordination of travel arrangements for the School Travel Service, please contact us by:
- Telephone: 023 8083 2419
- Email: travel.coordination@southampton.gov.uk
Help with other issues
If you are experiencing issues with the School Travel Service, please call our dedicated helpline on 023 8083 2419.
Suppliers wishing to work with us can find out more on Information for School Travel Service suppliers.
Further information
- Personal Travel Budgets (PTB)
- Passenger Assistants (PA)
- Independent Travel Training (ITT)
