Transport policy statement for students aged 16-19

If young people up to the age of 21 require assistance with travel due to physical disabilities, special educational needs or health related needs, the Council will provide suitable Travel Assistance to such young people based on an assessment of individual needs and subject to review.

Please see our Special Educational Needs - Transport guidance here , for more information on assistance for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

Help if you are studying away from home
If you are currently required to attend an educational institution that is beyond daily travelling distance and you need to stay away, you may qualify for the Residential Support Scheme (RSS).  If you are eligible, the scheme will help pay for your term-time accommodation.

You may be able to claim up to £3,458 (£4,079 in the London area) towards your costs each year, for up to a maximum of three years.  Awards are based on household income.

Are you eligible?
You may qualify for the residential support scheme if you are 16 or over, and are a resident in England. The course you are taking must be:

• Outside a 'reasonable daily travelling distance' from your home - and there cannot be similar courses available locally.
• For your first level 2 or level 3 qualification.
• At least 15 hours' attendance a week, and be of at least 10 weeks' duration.
• YPLA / SFA -funded (if you're not sure, ask your college's student adviser)

A 'reasonable daily travelling distance' is defined as a journey which is less than 15 miles, or a two-hour return journey.

Call us for a Residential Support Scheme application pack.  If you have any queries please call the Learner Support helpline on: