Parents and carers in Hampshire are being reminded to submit their applications for School Transport ahead of key deadlines this summer, to ensure arrangements are in place for the new academic year starting in September 2025.
While most families arrange their own travel to school, Hampshire County Council provides funded transport assistance in some cases — particularly where children meet specific eligibility criteria due to distance, special educational needs, or other factors.
Application Deadlines
- Mainstream primary and secondary schools: 31 May 2025
- Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND): 30 June 2025
Applications submitted after these deadlines will be classed as late and reviewed only after all on-time applications. This means transport may not be arranged until December 2025 or later for late applicants.
Families with children who already receive School Transport do not need to reapply unless their circumstances have changed (such as a new home or school).
Post-16 Transport
In most cases, transport assistance ends after Year 11, and families are expected to make their own arrangements for post-16 education or training.
However, the Post-16 Transport service may be available in certain cases for young people with SEND who cannot access their education independently. This is a discretionary service and includes a parental contribution toward transport costs.
- Post-16 application deadline: 30 June 2025
- Late applications may result in transport not being available until January 2026
Please note: A new application is required each academic year for Post-16 Transport — there is no automatic continuation, even for existing users.
What Happens Next?
If applications are submitted on time:
- Mainstream School Transport decisions will be communicated within 10 working days
- Post-16 Transport decisions may take up to six weeks
- Final transport arrangements for approved applicants will be sent by the end of August
More Information
Full details, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, can be found on the Hampshire County Council website: www.hants.gov.uk