Parents urged to apply now for post‑16 SEND travel assistanc

Parents and carers of young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are being reminded to apply for travel assistance for the 2026 academic year, following the release of school and college place allocations.

Dorset Council is encouraging families of SEND students aged 16 and over to submit their applications as soon as possible, ahead of the 31 May deadline for post‑16 SEND travel assistance.

Young people may be eligible for home‑to‑school or college transport if they are unable to get to school or college due to mobility difficulties, SEN or disability.

Cllr Clare Sutton, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Skills at Dorset Council, said:

“Applying early for post‑16 travel assistance gives us the best opportunity to begin planning and assessing individual needs ahead of the new academic year. While arrangements depend on a number of factors, I would strongly encourage parents and carers to submit their applications as soon as possible rather than waiting until the deadline.”

Students with SEND aged 16 and over could claim travel assistance if:

• they were aged 16 to 24 on 31 August of the previous academic year and have an education, health and care plan (EHCP)
• are unable to get to school or college due to your mobility difficulties, SEN or disability
• live in the Dorset Council (DC) area
• are in full time education (16 hours, or more at least 3 days a week)
• attend their nearest appropriate educational establishment
• are progressing from one level of study to the next, such as level 1 to level 2 and so on, completing one course and moving to the next
• can show progression in education to meet agreed EHCP aims

Submit your application by 31 May

Details about eligibility and how to apply for SEND travel assistance are available on the Dorset Council website.