East Sussex County Council
Post-16 Transport Policy Statement
2025 – 2026
East Sussex County Council
Post-16 Transport Policy Statement
2025 – 2026
Contents
Travel support from schools and colleges
LA support for young people without special educational needs or disabilities
LA support for learners with an Education, Health and Care plan (EHC plan)
Other travel assistance available if application declined
Non-transport solutions to facilitate learner access
Applying for LA transport support
Mainstream college and sixth form contact information
Local authorities do not have to provide free or subsidised post 16 travel support but do have a duty to prepare and publish an annual transport policy statement specifying the arrangements for the provision of transport or other support that the authority considers necessary to make to facilitate the attendance of all persons of sixth form age receiving education or training.
All young people carrying on their education post 16 must apply for travel support.
‘Sixth form age’ refers to young people who are over 16 years of age but under 19 or continuing learners who started their programme of learning before their 19th birthday (years 12,13,14).
Local authorities also have a duty to encourage, enable and assist young people with learning difficulties / disabilities to participate in education and training, up to the age of 25.
This policy uses the term ‘Post 16’ to include both learners of sixth form age and those with learning difficulties / disabilities up to the age of 25.
This policy document specifies the support that East Sussex County Council (the council) considers necessary to facilitate the attendance of Post 16 learners receiving education or training.
Education or training refers to learning or training at a school, further education institution, a council maintained or assisted institution providing higher or further education, an establishment funded directly by the Education Skills Funding Agency, learning providers delivering accredited programmes of learning which lead to positive outcomes and are funded by the council, for example, colleges, charities and private learning providers.
The council aims to have a clear policy that families understand, to enable learners to make decisions about where to study having considered the transport options available to them, and to signpost them to other support as appropriate.
The council has published separate policies outlining the transport assistance it provides to young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The policies can be found at: Transport policies | East Sussex County Council
These students may not be able to use public transport and/or may have long and expensive journeys to access a suitable course nearest to their home.
The council encourages young people to become more independent and offers training to students to help them to travel independently. This training will also help young people to access leisure facilities and provide opportunities for employment.
In addition to the published policies, for ease of reference, the eligibility criteria are set out in section called LA support for learners with an EHC plan see pages 9-13). Please note that learners of sixth form age have different eligibility criteria to adult learners.
Bus travel discounts for young people and students
Which bus fare scheme is best for me?
The different bus companies in East Sussex each run different discounted fares for young people. The best choice will depend on:
· your age
· where you are going
· which buses you need to use,
· and how often you travel.
To find out more information on routes and bus companies, go to Public transport routes and timetables
The Freedom Ticket and proof of age for under 19s
The Freedom Ticket offers unlimited travel on nearly every bus* in East Sussex for seven days in a row, including weekends. The Freedom ticket is £15.00 per week (reduced under the Bus Service Improvement Plan fare reductions) and is issued on the bus as a paper ticket only.
If you need proof of age, under 19s can apply for a 3i-D card or download the East Sussex Age Verification App These give you proof of age so you can purchase the Freedom ticket. You should show proof where your age may be questioned by a driver.
*Please contact the bus operator before travelling to ensure they issue and accept the Freedom Ticket.
To find out more about other discounts and applying for proof of age visit the 3i-D card webpage or download the East Sussex Age Verification App
Brighton & Hove Bus fares
If you are between 5 and 18 travelling with Brighton & Hove Buses and you do not already have a 3i-D card, you can get discounts on one-way and journeys and Saver tickets with a free busID card until the age of 18. See Brighton & Hove Buses - Young People
If you are 18+ and you are a student or apprentice, visit Brighton & Hove Buses - Student Travel for details.
Stagecoach offers
Dayrider tickets - With suitable ID, like the 3i-D card or the East Sussex Age Verification App, you can travel on all Stagecoach buses in East Sussex and Kent with a South East dayrider U19 for just £6.50.
There are also U19 Dayrider reduced fares in your local travel area.
Find out more about local Dayrider U19 and the app
Student season tickets - Travelling for the whole school year on Stagecoach buses? A Stagecoach student ticket might be better for you. The student ticket is available to students in school, college or university, regardless of age with a valid ID (this can be a 3i-D and the East Sussex Age Verification App).
Student passes are valid from September to July each academic year. To find out prices for your area visit the Stagecoach student bus travel pages. More information from Stagecoach
Compass travel
Please see Compass' website for their student ticket offers. More information from Compass
Train discounts and railcards
16 to 17 saver railcard
Costing £35 for one year, the 16 to 17 Saver is the national railcard for 16 and 17 year-olds. It gives 50% off standard Season tickets as well as Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance and tickets for travel at any time of the day.
The 16 to 17 Saver is valid for one year or up until your 18th birthday, whichever comes first. However, if you buy a season ticket with a 16 to 17 Saver discount before it expires, you can continue to use it for up to 4 months after the expiry date. The expiry date and the date that you can use your season ticket until are shown on the 16 to 17 Saver.
Find out more and apply at 16 to 17 saver
16 to 25 railcard
The 16 to 25 railcard offers 33% off a wide range of tickets for those not travelling each day (subject to a minimum fare). This card is aimed at leisure travel - it cannot be used for season tickets.
This card costs £35 for one year or £80 for three years.
Unizone rail ticket (college and university students)
The Unizone ticket gives unlimited discounted travel for a fixed price to those who study in or around Brighton or Worthing. To qualify for a Unizone ticket, a student will need a 16-25 Railcard and valid ID confirming attendance in further or higher education.
Find out more on the Southern website
Disabled Persons Railcard
This card offers 33% off of adult rail fares for travel on the National Rail network in Great Britain. Companions also get 33% off their rail fare. There are no time restrictions on the Disabled Persons Railcard, so it can be used at any time of the day.
It costs £20 for a one-year card or £54 for a three-year card. Disabled Persons Railcard website
See Transport if you’re disabled – GOV.UK for more information.
You may qualify for a card if you:
· receive disability-related benefits
· are registered as deaf or use a hearing aid
· are registered as visually impaired
· have epilepsy.
Coaches serving school sixth forms
Students attending schools with sixth forms, where hired vehicles are available, can purchase a travel permit for a vacant seat. The cost from September 2025 is £188.70 per term based on a six-term year. Full details of buying a seat on school transport can be found online at Buy a vacant seat on a school coach | East Sussex County Council
Some schools and colleges provide their own transport for students. Details can be found below and are correct at the time of publication. However, they may be subject to change by the provider themselves without prior notification to the council. Students are advised to contact their school/college directly regarding any possible changes.
· Heathfield Community College – runs two services in conjunction with local bus companies. Payments for these services are made termly across the academic year. Students in receipt of the 16-19 Bursary can have help with transport costs. The services are partially subsidised by the College for all students.
Find out more at Heathfield Community College or by contacting the College directly.
If your school/college is not listed above, please contact them directly for up-to-date information regarding any transport and/or support they may be able to offer, particularly if the school or college is outside of East Sussex.
A bursary is money that you, or your education or training provider, can use to pay for things like:
· clothing, books and other equipment for your course
· transport and lunch on days you study or train
There are 2 types of 16 to 19 bursary:
1. Bursary for students in vulnerable groups - You could get up to £1,200 a year if at least one of the following applies:
· you’re in or you recently left local authority care
· you get Income Support or Universal Credit because you’re financially supporting yourself
· you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in your name and either Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit
· you get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in your name and either ESA or Universal Credit
The amount you may get depends on the costs you have and what you need for your course.
2. Discretionary bursary - To be eligible for the discretionary bursary young people must:
· be aged 16 and under 19 on 31 August 2025 or
· be over 19 on 31 August 2025 and have an Education, Health and Care plan (EHC plan)
· be over 19 on 31 August 2025 and continuing on a course you started aged 16 to 18 (‘19+ continuer’)
· study at a publicly funded school or college, or be on an unpaid training course
Schools and colleges are responsible for managing both types of bursary. You should contact your chosen school or college to make an application.
Further information can be found at 16 to 19 Bursary Fund: Overview - GOV.UK
The following colleges have been allocated extra council funds to assist the most disadvantaged learners to access their course. These funds can be issued in addition to Bursary Funds. You should make enquiries to Student Services at your college.
· East Sussex College Group – Eastbourne, Hastings and Lewes
· Plumpton College
· Bexhill 6th Form College
· DV8 Bexhill & Brighton
Overview
The Care to Learn scheme can help with childcare costs while you study. You must be aged under 20 at the start of your course. You can get up to £180 per child per week.
Care to Learn can help with the cost of:
· Your childcare, including deposit and registration fees
· a childcare ‘taster’ session for up to 5 days
· keeping your childcare place over the summer holidays
· taking your child to their childcare provider
Payments
Childcare payments go directly to your childcare provider. Before they can be paid:
· your childcare provider needs to confirm your child’s attendance
· your school or college needs to confirm that you’re attending your course
Travel payments go direct to your school or college - they’ll either pay you or arrange travel for you.
Payments end when:
· you stop attending your course
· you reach the end of your course
· your child stops attending childcare
Eligibility
You can get Care to Learn if all the following apply:
· you’re a parent under 20 at the start of your course
· you’re the main carer for your child
· you live in England
· you’re either a British citizen or have a legal right to live and study in England
· your course qualifies
· your childcare provider qualifies
Your course
Care to Learn is only available publicly funded courses in England. This includes courses that take place in:
· schools
· school sixth-forms
· sixth-form colleges
· other colleges and learning providers, including Foundation Learning
· your community at Children’s Centres
Your learning provider can tell you if your course is eligible.
Your childcare provider
To qualify, your childcare provider must be one of the following:
· registered with Ofsted
· registered with a childminder agency
· a school
They can be a:
· childminder
· preschool playgroup
· day nursery
· out of school club
For more information, please visit Care to Learn: Overview - GOV.UK
The council regards where a student decides to study as an individual choice but considers it essential that students (and their parents) weigh up the home to college journey when deciding which school/college to attend as the council does not have a duty to provide transport assistance to post 16 students other than the arrangements contained in this policy.
The council has considered the needs of those for whom it would not be reasonably practicable to access education or training provision if no arrangements were made and considers that the various concessionary schemes available to students, coupled with financial support for those with genuine money difficulties results in there being sufficient access for all students to attend the school/college of their reasonable choice, irrespective of its location and their home.
Public transport services cannot be tailored to meet individual timetables and students are expected to make suitable adjustments to their travel arrangements to facilitate attendance.
Journey length, rurality and the nature of the route are factors for families to consider and these issues do not, in themselves, confer an entitlement to transport assistance.
The council recognises that some students with an EHC plan may not be able to travel to school or college independently or may not yet be ready to do so.
Criteria for help (16-19 students)
The following gateway criteria must be met for an application for travel assistance to be considered.
· The student lives in East Sussex;
· The student has a current EHC plan;
· The student will be attending the equivalent of a full-time educational course which allows for appropriate progression;
· The placement is the nearest suitable college to their home address and named in the student’s EHC plan;
· The student does not have the ability to travel independently.
If these gateway criteria are met, the council will then consider the circumstances of the student and the family and their broader network, to assess whether it is necessary to provide transport for the student. The council thinks it is reasonable for parents/carers to prioritise transporting the student over other commitments. In considering the eligibility of the student to receive an offer and what offer should be made, the following (and any other relevant factors) will be taken into account:
1. Nature of the journey for the student/family for example, the distance, likely journey time, and complexity of the journey by road, public transport or on foot; whether the journey on foot or public transport could be reasonably made if the student is accompanied.
2. Parent/carer/broader network availability to accompany for example, the current commitments of the parent(s)/carer(s) and broader network; whether the student's family or broader network is reasonably able to transport or accompany them, given all other factors. Parents/carers will be expected to prioritise transporting the student over other commitments such as (but not exclusively):
· taking pre-school aged children to nursery;
· voluntary work;
· undertaking work commitments that can reasonably be carried out at times other than at college start and end times, for example when self-employed or on flexible work contracts.
unless doing so is unreasonable in all the circumstances.
3. Available suitable vehicle and/or disability benefits for example, whether the family has a suitable vehicle, which may include a Motability vehicle; whether the student is receiving PIP with a component intended to support travel; any current social care support.
4. The student's needs relating to travel for example, whether the student has complex needs, and/or requires a second person on transport; if independent travel is a realistic goal, and whether this has been appropriately encouraged by the family.
5. Other relevant factors, for example, the health of the parent/carer and the potential impact of providing transport or accompanying the student, given all other factors.
The following evidence may be required in addition to the travel assistance application:
1. Recent evidence from a relevant health and/or educational professional regarding the SEND of the student and how this impacts on the need for travel assistance, their ability to walk or travel on public transport, accompanied or otherwise.
2. Recent evidence from a relevant health professional regarding a parent/carer’s health, if this means that they are not able to accompany or transport the student themselves.
3. Evidence from the parent/carer’s employer regarding their work commitments, to include working hours, days, times, location of work and distance in miles from home to work and from the placement to work.
4. Written evidence to demonstrate other commitments, although broader caring
responsibilities would not normally be considered as a reason why a parent/carer would not be able to transport the student, as the family would be expected to find alternative solutions in most cases.
Contribution towards post 16 travel assistance
Where travel assistance is agreed, a contribution towards to the cost of travel is required for students of sixth form age – those over 16 years but under 19 years – or continuing learners who started their programme before their 19th birthday. The contribution is based on the current cost of a 'Freedom' bus ticket and is reviewed annually. The current cost is £570 per year. Should the cost change, the contribution will be adjusted accordingly. Payment can be made in 10 instalments. Transport will not be arranged until payment in advance is made. If subsequent payments are late, transport will be suspended or even cancelled.
Low-income families are required to contribute half of the amount – currently £285. To qualify as Low Income, the applicant must meet the same eligibility criteria as for Free School Meals. More information on eligibility can be found on ESCC’s website at Free school meals | East Sussex County Council
Criteria for help (Adult learners)
The gateway criteria set out for the 16-19 students applies. If an adult learner meets the gateway criteria the Council will take into account the following (and any other relevant factors) when determining whether transport is necessary and if so, what offer should be made.
1. Nature of the journey for the adult learner for example, the distance, likely journey time, and complexity of the journey by road, public transport or on foot; whether the journey on foot or public transport could be reasonably made if the adult learner is accompanied.
2. Parent/carer/broader network ability to provide transport support, e.g. accompanying the learner on some journeys; transporting the learner on certain days.
3. Available suitable vehicle for example, whether the adult learner has a vehicle for their use, which may include a Motability vehicle.
4. The adult learner's needs relating to travel for example, whether the adult learner has complex needs, and/or requires a second person on transport; if independent travel is a realistic goal.
5. Any income available to the adult learner that can reasonably be expected to be used to fund transport to and from college. This may include, for example, a college bursary, disability benefits or the mobility component of personal independence payments (PIP).
6. The financial circumstances of the adult learner and potential impact of a declined application. A financial statement will be requested in support of the application to determine reasonable outgoings on essential items.
7. Advice from the college, for example, whether independent travel training is part of the learning programme.
8. Other relevant factors.
The following evidence may be required in addition to an application for travel:
· Recent evidence from a relevant health and/or educational professional regarding the SEND of the adult learner and how these impact on the need for travel assistance, their ability to walk or travel on public transport, accompanied or otherwise.
· A copy of the care and support plan (if applicable)
· Where the parent/carer is stated as being the primary carer/advocate for the adult learnerand/or in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, further evidence may be required regarding the support with transport they are able to provide (if any).
In the case of adult learners, if the council agrees transport is necessary it will be provided free of charge.
Type of help given
It is for the council to identify the most suitable, cost-effective mode of transport to get students between home and college, taking account of any special arrangements to support the student’s particular needs. This may be one of the following:
· Independent Travel Training
· Personal Travel Budget
· Minibus or taxi
Please note that minibus or taxi travel will usually only be provided if necessity is proven and for students with severe disabilities and/or the most complex health needs. This type of transport is shared with other students unless a needs assessment determines that this is not reasonable and may not be a door-to-door service.
Service limitations
Students will usually only be transported at published school/college start and finish times, and they may be expected to enable sharing with other students through early arrival or delayed collection if safe to do so; or students may need to arrive earlier or leave later than their taught hours in college.
An offer of travel assistance may be part-week or involve a pick-up or drop-off point.
Transport will not be provided for the following:
· Temporary addresses. This is a domestic matter for families to resolve.
· Journeys to and from other destinations. Transport is not offered to or from points other than the college/education centre and home or pick up/drop off points.
· To take account of work/business commitments or domestic difficulties of parents/carers.
· To accommodate attendance at before or after school or college activities or homework clubs.
· Before or after medical appointments
· To accommodate work experience or off-site educational placements
· For pre-course visits, ‘taster’ days or parents’ evenings/visits
· In the event of sickness where a student has to be collected from college
· Specific exam timetables that start or finish outside of the normal college day
· College trips or educational visits
Review of travel provision
A new application must be made if the student moves to a new home or other circumstances change.
Failure to inform us of a change of circumstances may result in having to pay back for costs incurred by the council.
The mode of travel assistance being offered will also be reviewed regularly to make sure that the service provided continues to be appropriate for the student’s needs and the most cost effective for the council.
We do not reimburse travel costs incurred before an application is made.
Based on the information given in an application, students will be assessed for suitability for our Independent Travel Training (ITT) programme, which can provide a young person with the skills and confidence for greater independence in their adult life.
A young person who is ready for travel training may be offered temporary travel assistance until they have progressed to being independent on their journey to school or college.
What can travel training provide?
The trainer works with the student and family. They tailor the programme to their journey from home to their school or college. The training sessions with the student are one-to-one. The needs of the individual determine the length of the course. The student gains independence gradually over several weeks. Progress is closely monitored, and students only move on through the programme when the trainer feels they are ready. On the final journeys the trainer follows the student without any contact unless needed.
Find out more online about What is independent travel training (ITT)? | East Sussex County Council
Where it is decided that travel assistance will not be provided by the council, but the gateway criteria as set out in the policy are met, the parent/carer may be offered a low-income mileage allowance.
This scheme is available to low-income parents/carers who have to travel long distances (over 10 miles) to transport the student to the college named in their EHC plan. The mileage allowance given will be 25p per mile for one return journey per day for the miles beyond the first 10 mile of the journey from home. For example, where the distance from home to college is 15 miles, the allowance given will be calculated as 2 journeys x 5 miles x 25p. Proof of attendance will be sought from the school/college.
If you think that you may be eligible for this low income mileage allowance, you can make an application via the online application form at: Apply for travel assistance (16-19) | East Sussex County Council
Students doing apprenticeships should apply to their employer or learning provider to have reasonable travel expenses met.
Speak to your learning provider about non-transport solutions to support your access to education or training such as e-learning options. For those with an EHC plan, you can also speak to your Assessment and Planning Officer.
Applicants must use on our online form found at Apply for travel assistance for students aged 16-19 with an EHC plan For support with completing an application please email SEN.transport@eastsussex.gov.uk
Those without internet access can phone 01273 335530 to arrange for a form to be sent.
If an application is declined, you can follow the two-stage transport appeals process.
Bexhill 6th form College
Website: Bexhill 6th Form College
Telephone: 01424 214545
Email: enquiries@bexhillcollege.ac.uk
East Sussex College (Eastbourne, Lewes and Hastings)
Website: East Sussex College
Telephone (Eastbourne): 030 300 39300 – Email: Eastbourne.admissions@escg.ac.uk
Telephone (Lewes): 030 300 39200 – Email: Lewes.admissions@escg.ac.uk
Telephone (Hastings): 030 300 39400 – Email:hastings.admissions@escg.ac.uk
Plumpton College
Website: Plumpton College
Telephone: 01273 890454
Email: enquiries@plumpton.ac.uk
DV8 Sussex
Website: DV8 Sussex
Telephone: 01424 213890 (Bexhill campus) Telephone: 01273 550432 (Brighton campus)
Beacon Academy sixth form
Website: Beacon Academy sixth form
Telephone: 01892 603018
Email: office@beacon-academy.org
Hailsham CC sixth form
Website: Hailsham CC sixth form
Telephone: 01323 841468
Email: hcc@hccat.net
Hailsham CC has decided to suspend new admissions to their sixth form in September 2025. Students currently in year 12 can continue into year 13 so they can complete their courses in Summer 2026. At this point the sixth form provision will fully close.
Heathfield CC sixth form
Website: Heathfield CC sixth form
Telephone: 01435 866066
Email: office@heathfieldcc.co.uk
Seaford Head School sixth form
Website: Seaford Head School sixth form
Telephone: 01323 872723
Email: reception@seafordhead.org
Uckfield College sixth form
Website: Uckfield College sixth form
Telephone: 01825 764844
Email: office@uckfield.college
Each year the council is required to consult young people of sixth form age and their parents as well as other stakeholders on the Post 16 Transport Policy statement before it is finalised. Consultation lasts for a minimum of 4 weeks.
The policy could be changed in the future and the current support available does not amount to a legitimate expectation that it will continue to be offered.