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Apply for post 16 transport assistance

Subsidised post 16 transport assistance is available to those that have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.

If the student does not have an EHC plan, there are more options for transport support, including the 16+ Travel Saver which is available for most students aged aged between 16 and 19.

We are making changes to post 16 travel assistance for the 2026/2027 school year.

Before you apply

We encourage all students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to build confidence and skills to travel on public transport through travel training.

If you need support for the current school year of 2025/2026, you should also see if a personal transport budget would be better for your needs before applying for post 16 transport assistance.

Cost and contributions

For the current school year of 2025/26, your contribution for transport will be the same as the cost for a 16+ Kent Travel Saver. This can be paid in 3 termly instalments.

We do not ask for any contribution for post 19 students.

We are changing how contributions are made from the 2026/2027 school year. Read more about the changes to post 16 travel assistance for the 2026/2027 school year.

Apply

You need to apply for transport assistance every year; it will not automatically renew.

Apply for transport assistance

If you are having difficulties applying online, email post16transport@kent.gov.uk and to request a paper application.

Timescales

Applications can take up to 6 weeks to process.

Applications for the following academic year should be received no later than 31 May. Submit your application as early as possible to avoid unnecessary delay.

The outcome of your application will be sent by email or letter.

During your application, it is your responsibility to transport the student to and from school or college.

Please refrain from chasing us. Once your transport application has been assessed you will receive an outcome letter from our Post 16 Transport team by either email or post.

Unsuccessful applications

If your application is unsuccessful we'll write to you to explain why.

If you are unhappy with our decision, email post16transport@kent.gov.uk to outline the reasons why.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, it will not be possible to discuss your refusal over the phone. If you are still unhappy then you have the right to make an appeal.

Changes to support from 1 September 2026

Personal transport budgets (PTBs)

Instead of being provided with hired transport, post 16 students that are eligible for assistance will be awarded with a personal transport budget.

This allows greater flexibility for families to arrange their own transport: It can be spent on whatever arrangements your family needs to get the young person to school or college, but it cannot be used toward any other subsidised transport program we provide.

You could spend your budget on petrol, public transport, breakfast or afterschool clubs for younger siblings.

The amount of money awarded will depend on how far away the student lives from their school.

Payments will be made on the 15th of each month for up to 11 months (August to June)

Family contribution to costs

You will no longer need to pay a contribution toward the student's transport costs. Instead, the cost for a 16+ Kent Travel Saver will be deducted from any awarded personal transport budget.

Support for adult learners (students aged 19 to 25)

We may now be able to offer additional milage payment for adult learners if their education bursaries are not enough to cover transport costs.

Applicants will need to provide evidence that they have applied for any available burseries.

Our post 16 transport assistance policy

Other transport options

Here are some other transport options:

Further information

If you have further enquiries or questions contact us:

Email
Post16Transport@kent.gov.uk
Phone
03000 41 41 41
Ask to speak to post 16 transport when you call.