Home to school transport spare seat scheme

Some school transport services have spare seats.

If your child does not qualify for free school transport, you may be able to apply for one of these seats.

This is a paid-for service and seats are only available when there is space.

What you need to know

• A spare seat is not guaranteed.
• It can be withdrawn at short notice.
• You must have a backup plan for getting your child to school.
• Seats are only available on timetabled minibus routes.

Before you apply

Make sure you read the full guidance.

It explains:

• who can apply
• how seats are allocated
• how much it costs
• what happens if a seat is withdrawn

Download the spare seat guidance.

Apply for a spare seat on school transport

Page last updated: 3 September 2025