School Bus Passes in Tameside

Is my child eligible for free school travel?
 

Group 1

Your child is eligible if they are of compulsory school age, go to their nearest qualifying school and one of the following applies:
•    they are under 8 and the school is more than 2 miles away
•    they are 8 or over and the school is more than 3 miles away
•    they wouldn’t be able to walk there safely, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian
•    they wouldn’t be able walk there because of their special educational needs, disability or a mobility problem, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

If the local authority decides your child would be able to walk to school if they were accompanied, the general expectation is that you will accompany them or make other suitable arrangements. A child will not normally be eligible for free travel solely because of their parent’s work commitments or caring responsibilities.

Group 2

Your child may also be entitled to free transport if you have a low family income. From September 2026 they may be entitled if they get targeted free school meals (targeted free school meals cover pupils who are in households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less) and one of the following applies:
•    they are aged 8 to 11, go to their nearest qualifying school and it’s at least 2 miles away
•    they are aged 11 to 16 and go to a school 2 to 6 miles away - if it’s one of their 3 nearest qualifying schools
•    they are aged 11 to 16 and go to a school 2 to 15 miles away - if it’s one you chose because of your religion or belief.
 

Group 3
Pupils who move into Tameside from another area, are in Years 10 or 11, want to stay at their current school and will have to travel more than three miles to that school.

NOTES

•    Low income is defined as pupils who are eligible for targeted free school meals. If your child receives Expanded FSM, their home to school transport application will be assessed under the general criteria.

•    The distance between home and school is measured by the nearest available walking route

•    The law defines a qualifying school as a school with places available that provides education appropriate to the age, ability and aptitude of the child.

•    A cycle allowance of £30 per year is payable instead of a bus pass if requested.

It should be noted that when a dispute occurs between a parent / guardian and the Council, the distance between home and school is measured by an officer of the Council.

How do I apply for a travel pass?

• Please complete the online application form
• For more help visit in person at one of the council's Customer Services Offices.

 
If you live in Tameside, and are unsure whether your child will be eligible for a free bus pass, please complete the online form. Do not attach a passport photograph at this time. If your application subsequently meets the eligibility criteria you will be asked to provide a photograph.