School transport for mainstream schools
School Transport for Mainstream Schools
To support families, we provide free or supported transport for nearly 3,000 pupils.
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 provided
- School buses – dedicated services for pupils. Parents, guardians or carers are responsible for their child's journey between home and the designated pick-up/drop-off point.
- Public buses – free with a National Entitlement Card (under 22s). Parents, guardians or carers are responsible for their child's journey between home and the designated pick-up/drop-off point.
- Taxis – if no other option is available.
- Mileage reimbursement – for families in remote areas.
Apply
Applications will open at the start of the Summer Term.
You must complete an application every year. An application does not guarantee a space on school transport.
Applications are subject to availability and may be reviewed if your child’s circumstances change.
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.