North Ayrshire Council provides free school transport when your child is enrolled in their catchment school but:
- for primary pupils - lives 2 miles, or more, from their school by the shortest, safest walking route
- for secondary pupils - lives 3 miles, or more, from their school by the shortest, safest walking route
To find your catchment school enter your postcode in YourLocation.
We may approve free school transport if circumstances meet one of the requirements of our School Transport Policy, for example: medical suitability or transport for additional support needs.
Read our School Transport Policy (PDF, 275kb).
If your child doesn't qualify, you may be able to apply for a privilege seat if there is space.
What we provide
Free school transport normally covers 1 return journey a day (at the start and end of a normal school day).
Transport can be:
- a dedicated school bus
- a bus or train pass on a local service (timetabled and carrying members of the public)
- taxi, private hire, minibus or ferry
- parent/carer contract - in certain circumstances, the Council will support parents/carers to transport their own child(ren) to and from school with the parent/carer submitting a monthly travel expenses claim form
When and how to apply
Apply for free school transport at the following times:
- Primary school pupils - apply at enrolment
- Secondary school pupils - apply during transition in Primary 7 to secondary
- changes in circumstance, for example, moving house - at least 2 weeks notice
Late applications can delay provision of free school transport.
Apply for transport
On successful completion you will receive an email with a reference number.
Parents or carers may make an application for free transport to a mainstream establishment if the criteria for transport noted in the School Transport Policy is met.
If a child attends a mainstream education establishment and has an ASN, temporary medical condition or requires a split placement which requires transport then this application should be submitted by the child’s education establishment. Please note: applications for ASN, temporary medical conditions, or a split education placement will only be accepted from education staff on behalf of their establishment.
What happens next?
Until a decision is made, parents/carers will be responsible for making arrangements for transport of their child. We will notify you, in writing, of the outcome of your application, either:
- 2 weeks before the start of the school year, or
- within 2 weeks of application for mid session applications.
We may need to ask you for more information, or carry out a Road Suitability Assessment. These may delay the outcome.
Pick up and drop off points and times will be emailed to you by Strathclyde Passenger for Transport only if approved and upon allocation to a contract. It is therefore essential that you provide an active email and that you check your emails for further updates.
Make sure your child is aware of the safety and acceptable behaviour terms included in the Terms and Conditions.
Passes
If required, bus passes are normally issued, through the school, at the start of the school year.
Lost passes
Contact SPT if your child has lost their bus pass. There may be a charge for a replacement.
Getting in touch
For queries on any of the above, please get in touch only using the Transport Hub contact information at the bottom of the page.
Appeal a decision
If you are unhappy about a decision, please write to:
Education Transport Panel
Communities & Education Directorate
5th Floor, Cunninghame House
Irvine
KA12 8EE
Alternatively, you can email educationtransportpanel@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.
Please note: the above email is only for appealing decisions. For any general queries, please use the Transport Hub contact information at the bottom of the page.
Contract monitoring
SPT monitors school contracts and checks that drivers are performing within their Code of Conduct.
Complaints procedure
If you have any concerns or complaints about the provision of free school transport, please contact your child's school. A complaints email will be completed by the school and sent to SPT to investigate. Parent/carers may also complain directly to SPT in writing or by emailing SPT at school.transport@spt.co.uk.