Families in Dorset with young people aged 16 and over who have special educational needs and disabilities are being urged to apply for travel assistance by 31 May 2026 to ensure support is in place for the new academic year.
Dorset Council issued the reminder on 29 April 2026, noting that while the application process is essential for coordinating school and college transport, arrangements can take several weeks to finalise. The council stresses that families should submit their requests as soon as possible rather than waiting for the deadline.
To be eligible for this support, students must have an Education, Health and Care Plan, live within the council area, and be in full-time education, which is defined as at least 16 hours of study across three or more days per week. Applicants must also demonstrate that they are unable to travel due to their disability or mobility difficulties, are attending their nearest appropriate school or college, and show educational progression from one level of study to the next.
For students under the age of 19, the annual contribution for this service is set at £990 for the period from September 2026 to July 2027. Families on certain benefits, including those who receive maximum Working Tax Credit, have a household income that meets the Universal Credit threshold, or have students entitled to free school meals, may qualify for a 50 percent reduction, bringing the cost to £495.
Councillor Clare Sutton, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, stated that applying early provides the local authority with the best opportunity to assess individual needs and plan travel arrangements effectively. Families requiring assistance or further information can contact the SEN Travel Team at Dorset Council.
Unlike transport for children under 16, which is typically included within an education plan, support for post-16 students is discretionary. This means the council is not under a legal duty to provide free transport for young people once they are past compulsory school age, though the local authority must publish a policy regarding its transport provision.
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