Hampshire County Council plans to consult later this month on updates to its School Transport Policy and its Post-16 Transport Policy for the 2026/27 academic year.
Most of the proposed updates are to make both policies clearer and easier to understand. The council also intends to withdraw the formal Spare Capacity Seats scheme (paid, non-guaranteed places for non-eligible pupils on contracted routes). The council says spare seats are increasingly unlikely as vehicles are used more efficiently for eligible pupils. Seats could still be allocated in exceptional cases at the council’s discretion.
The School Transport service will continue to meet all legal duties for eligible 5–16 year-olds. No savings are expected from these changes.
For post-16 learners (including those with SEND), the consultation will cover the annual policy update. There is no automatic entitlement to council-funded transport after age 16, but Hampshire continues a discretionary offer in certain circumstances.
How to take part
The consultations are scheduled to run from 20 October to 30 November 2025. Parents, carers, schools and providers in Andover can submit views via the council’s online consultation hub once live. Alternative formats will be available on request.