What transport is available?
Any entitlement to free transport ends once a child has completed their compulsory education in year 11. For post 16 students (years 12 onwards) who wish to continue into further education, Staffordshire County Council may offer subsidised transport to school or college. However this scheme may not be the cheapest or best option for you - always check out your other options before applying.
You may find that the 'Your Staffordshire' card is the best way of you getting to school or college. The card is free of charge to any Staffordshire resident under the age of 20 and allows travel on public buses when the journey starts or ends in Staffordshire at £1 per journey (on an average school year of 190 days with one return journey per day your total travel costs for the year would be £380). More information and how to apply can be found on the 'Your Staffordshire' card website|, or your local library.
In some cases the bus company may offer their own pass which could be even cheaper than using the Your Staffordshire Card – you should contact the bus company directly. For help planning your journey using public transport contact Traveline at www.traveline.info| or call 0871 200 2233, or Transport Direct at www.transportdirect.info|
Some schools and colleges operate their own transport or may offer help with transport costs. Contact the school or college for more information. Staffordshire County Council also operates some routes to schools for students under the age of 16, but if there are any spare seats these are sold under the Temporary Vacant Seat Scheme|.
People with certain learning difficulties and disabilities may be eligible for a Disabled Person’s Concessionary Bus Pass. This allows free travel at any time of the day, any day of the week across Staffordshire. You may also be able to get a companion pass too if a carer or companion needs to travel with you. For more information visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/concessionarybuspass| , your local library, or call 0300 111 8000.
If you’re aged between 16 and 19 and think you might struggle with the costs for full time education or training you may be eligible for help under the 16-19 Bursary Fund. Students in the following groups may receive the maximum bursary of £1,200 a year –
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Young people in care
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Care leavers
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Young people claiming income support in their own name
Disabled young people who receive both Employment Support allowance and Disability Living Allowance in their own name
Other students facing genuine financial difficulties may be awarded a bursary at the discretion of their school, college or learning provider, as they are responsible for awarding bursaries to students. With the exception of those entitled to the £1,200 bursary, the school or college will decide who will receive a bursary and how much, and will set their own conditions which students need to meet. To apply for assistance speak to your school or college.
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