School transport for mainstream schools

We provide free or supported transport for nearly 3,000 pupils.

Who is eligible

Transport is provided for

• Pupils who live more than 2 miles from their catchment school.
• Pupils who live less than 2 miles away but do not have a safe walking route to school.
• Pupils whose catchment school is full, and have been placed elsewhere.
• Pupils who would need to walk more than 2 miles in total to reach school by public transport.
• Some pupils who have additional support needs

Transport is not provided for

• Travel to alternative addresses (e.g. relatives, childminders, or breakfast/after-school clubs).
• Medical or dental appointments.
• Parental work or childcare needs.
• Placing requests (even if over 2 miles).

Types of transport

If your child is eligible for transport support, we will decide which option is suitable. This could include:

• Walking, scooting or cycling
• Public transport
• Dedicated school bus or coach
• Personal Travel Budget - money to help arrange and manage travel. If a family has access to a car this may be considered first and would be paid as an agreed amount at set times during the school year. Personal Travel Budgets are normally agreed for one school year and can be reviewed, changed or withdrawn if circumstances change or the terms of the agreement are not followed.
• Reimbursement for travel provided by a parent or carer
• Shared taxi or minibus 
• Individual taxi 

Apply

Applications are now closed.

Please note:

• All late applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Submitting a late application does not guarantee that school transport will be provided.
• Transport capacity, route availability and operational requirements will be considered when assessing late applications.
• If transport cannot be accommodated, families may need to make alternative travel arrangements.
• You must complete a new application each school year.

Our obligations for home-to-school transport are governed by the Education (Scotland) Act 1980. We also comply with broader legal frameworks, including the Equality Act 2010 and the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004. These ensure that our transport policies respect the rights and dignity of all pupils while meeting statutory requirements.