Contact us

• School life
• Transport
• Sustainable travel plan
• Primary school policy
• Secondary school policy
• Post-16 travel
• Walk to School
• Crossing patrols

• Home
•  ⁄  Education & learning 
•  ⁄  Schools 
•  ⁄  School life 
•  ⁄  Transport

Our sustainable modes of travel strategy is available in full but here we have picked out some of the more frequently asked questions from parents on this page. You can also see our policy on transport to secondary schools and primary schools on this website.

Who qualifies for free school transport?
Generally, to be entitled to free travel you need to live more than three miles away from the designated school in your area (two miles for children under eight). Pupils attending schools by parental choice will not normally receive free travel. 
Advice and information concerning eligibility for free travel can be obtained from your local Area Education Office.
We provide home-to-school transport under the criteria outlined in the Education and Inspections Act 1996. You can find our full home-to-school transport policy at the bottom of this page in the more information section.

How do I apply for free school transport?
You can download an application form and guidance notes from the More Information section below or you can contact your local Area Education Office and ask for form X78. You will need to return it to the Area Education Office once it is completed.
If your application is successful we will then issue you with a bus pass.

How can I find information about school bus services?
There is more information about school bus services on our School Buses page in the Public Transport section of this website.
Bus timetable information is available from each school and you can find their contact details on our school names and addresses page. Or you can contact the Public Transport team here on 01629 580000 ext 6740; 6720; 6749 or 6739.
You could also use our Journey Planner to find out more about public transport, including rail services.

What help is available if my child is returning to school or college for post-16 studies?
Post-16 students don't receive free transport but can still make use of a range of transport services available to schools and colleges.
Students up to the age of 19 in full time education receive half fare travel on public transport with a b_line card.
This card also entitles the students to discounts at many shops and attractions around the county. To find out more and apply for a b_line card visit the b_line website (opens in a new window). 

We also produce a post-16 plan and this gives information on:

• Bus routes to and from schools
• the b_line card
• arrangements for students with special education needs and 
• the Derbyshire Post-16 Transport Partnership.

You can find out more about this on our Post-16 page.
Post-16 students can also apply for an Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) if their household income is £30, 810 or less and they are staying on at school or college for further education. You can find out more on our EMA page or by calling the freephone helpline on 0800 269468.

My child has special needs. What information is available about school transport for them? We organise transport for students age two to 25 with special educational needs attending schools and colleges. Our policy is in accordance with legislation.
About 1,600 students qualify for transport in the county and most of them travel by contracted mini bus or taxi. A small number travel with their parents, who can claim back the cost of fuel.
Transport is also provided for students attending support centres or work-based learning. We work with the Behaviour Support Service on this. 
You can find out school transport travel guide on the school buses page or you can call 01629 580000 ext 6727 for more information about transport for students with special needs.

What is b_line? What information is there about concessionary travel?
The b_line card is available to all young people in Derbyshire aged 14 to 19 and in full time education. It entitles them to half fare travel on almost all tickets at peak, and off peak, times. You can also use it for discounted travel to places just outside the county. You can find out more on the b_line website (opens in a new window).