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
Find your school catchment area, enter your postcode in YourLocation.
We may approve free school transport if circumstances meet one of the requirements of our School Transport Policy (PDF, 175kb). For example, medical suitability or transport for additional support needs.
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
When and how to apply
Submit applications at the following times:
- Primary school pupils - apply at enrolment
- Secondary school pupils - apply during transition in Primary 7 to secondary
- changes in circumstance, e.g. moving house - at least 2 weeks notice
Late applications can delay provision of free school transport.
Please read our School Transport Policy (PDF, 175kb).
All school transport applications should be submitted using North Ayrshire Council’s transport system.
Parents or carers may make an application for free transport to a mainstream establishment if the criteria for transport noted in the transport policy (PDF, 175kb) 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 that 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 for more information, or carry out a Road Suitability Assessment which could delay the outcome.
For pick up and drop off point and times, telephone Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) on 0141 333 3362.
Please make sure that your child is aware of the safety and acceptable behaviour terms. These are included in the Terms and Conditions of free school transport provision.
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.
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.
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.