What travel assistance is available to pupils going to college?

Students aged 16-19, who live more than 3 miles from the nearest appropriate college, may be granted travel assistance.  This is subject to a termly contribution from parents towards the cost.

Parental contribution

The contribution required is £165 for the autumn term, £165 for the spring term and £160 for the summer term, or £490 if paid one year in advance.

Exemptions

Parents will not be asked to pay this contribution if they are in receipt of Income Support, Income Based Job Seekers Allowance, Pension Credit or Child Tax Credit, provided they do not receive Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by the Inland Revenue), which does not exceed £16,190. 

How is the distance to college measured?

It is measured by the shortest walking route. This may take into account public footpaths where they are available. The shortest available route is one along which a student can safely walk to college. Distances are measured from gate to nearest college gate, rather than door to door.

What sort of transport will the student use?

Routes and types of travel are chosen by the Passenger Transport Unit at West Malling in order to obtain the best value for money.  For this reason we cannot offer a choice of transport and transport arrangements may not be the same as in previous years.

What happens if the student will need to use more than one type of transport?

A student will only be given assistance to use more than one means of travel if it is not possible to complete the journey by one type of transport.