If your child is moving through the key stage transfer process this year (Year 2, Year 6, or Year 11), find our key dates below for school travel help.
It's best to apply by the deadline so that the Surrey School Travel and Assessment Team (SSTAT) has time to plan for September 2025. You can still apply for travel assistance even after the deadlines.
If your child is eligible for help, you'll receive a guide on what happens next and how travel assistance works.
Mainstream applications for travel assistance
We no longer do a bulk assessment for automatic travel assistance eligibility. Instead, you must apply for travel assistance so the Council can determine eligibility.
- Application assessment period - 20 working days (may take longer if school placement isn't confirmed or if specialist transport is needed).
- Transport arrangements - Eligible applicants will hear up to 7 days before term starts. The travel allowance will be prioritised over other forms of transport.
- Late applications - If submitted after June 30, we can't guarantee travel arrangements before term starts.
The same assessment and delivery guidance applies to other year groups.
For more information please visit our Under 16s FAQs, or 16 to 25s FAQs.
Soft deadline for applications - 1 March.
Application assessment period - 20 working days (may take longer if school placement is not confirmed, or specialist transport is needed).
Transport arrangements - Eligible applicants will be notified up to 7 days before term starts.
Deadline for applications - Apply as soon as the EHCP names the educational placement.
Application assessment period - 20 working days (may take longer if school placement is not confirmed, or specialist transport is needed).
Transport arrangements - If applying after 30 June, we can't guarantee arrangements for the start of term. We'll offer an interim travel allowance and contact affected families.
Soft deadline for applications - 13 April.
Application assessment period - 20 working days (may take longer if school placement is not confirmed, or specialist transport is needed).
Transport arrangements - Eligible applicants will hear up to 7 days before term starts. The post-16 allowance will be prioritised over other forms of transport.
Deadline for applications - If the EHCP names the educational placement, apply as soon as possible.
Application assessment period - 20 working days.
Late applications - If submitted after 30 June, we can't guarantee travel arrangements before term starts. We'll offer an interim travel allowance and arrange transport after term starts in September.
Transport arrangements - Eligible applicants will hear up to 7 days before term starts. The post-16 allowance will be prioritised over other forms of transport.