Apply for school transport
Introduction
Visit What to do if your child does not qualify for free transport to find about our discretionary travel scheme.
- For children age 5 to 16
- You should read the information sheet 2025 to 2026 (PDF, 160 KB) or information sheet 2026 to 2027 (PDF, 251 KB) before applying
School travel applications for September 26 will not be available until the end of May 2026. However, If your child is moving up to high school in September and is attending their catchment school and you meet the minimum distance criteria, as detailed in our Who can get free school transport page, we'll have received confirmation from School Admissions and we will write to all parents in March, April and May offering transport.
Returning students in 2026-27
There is no need to reapply if your child is:
- Automatically entitled to free transport
- Attending the same school next year
Their existing travel pass will remain valid for the next school year. A new travel pass will only be issued if your child moves to a different bus service.
You will need to reapply for school transport if your child is moving on to the next stage of education, for example:
- They are moving from infant school to junior school
- They are moving from primary school to high school
Transport for schools outside Norfolk
To apply by post, for travel between:
- September 2025 and July 2026, use the printable application form 2025-26 (PDF, 103 KB) (PDF, 103 KB). You should read the information sheet 2025 to 2026 (PDF, 160 KB) before applying.
- September 2026 and July 2027, use the printable application form 2026-27 (PDF, 91 KB). You should read the information sheet 2026 to 2027 (PDF, 251 KB) before applying.
Post the completed form to:
Travel and Transport
Norfolk County Council
County Hall
Norwich
NR1 2DH
Or you can email a scan of the completed form to: [email protected]. Read our privacy notice to find out how we use your information.
Track your online application
You can track the progress of your online application. Allow five working days from when you submitted your application before checking.
Applications are usually processed in time for the start of term in September. However if you apply after 31 July, be prepared to make alternative travel arrangements.
How to apply by post
Applying for September 2026 school transport: Please be aware that applications for September 2026 school transport will not be open until the end of May 2026. For more information please visit frequently asked questions for School and college transport application process.
To apply by post, for travel between:
- September 2025 and July 2026, use the printable application form 2025-26 (PDF, 103 KB). You should read the information sheet 2025 to 2026 (PDF, 160 KB) before applying.
- September 2026 and July 2027, use the printable application form 2026-27 (PDF, 91 KB). You should read the information sheet 2026 to 2027 (PDF, 251 KB) before applying.
Post the completed form to:
Travel and Transport
Norfolk County Council
County Hall
Norwich
NR1 2DH
Or you can email a scan of the completed form to: [email protected]
How to accept an offer of transport
If you've received a letter offering your child transport, use our online form to accept the offer.
If any details included in the letter are wrong or have changed, you'll need to:
- Call us on 0344 800 8020
- Start a new online application
Online applications for the new academic year (from September) are usually available from May.
How to change your details
Use our contact us form to change your details if you:
- Change address
- Change to a different school
- Wish to request a different boarding point
- Would prefer a different bus or train service
If your bus pass is delayed
You may be able to claim back money spent on travel, if you applied before 31 July and there was a delay in issuing your pass.
If you apply after 31 July you can't claim a refund for bus or train tickets purchased, unless the pass issued was incorrect and unusable.
To apply for a refund send your request, together with the tickets purchased, to:
Travel and Transport
Norfolk County Council
County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich
NR1 2DH
The tickets must have been purchased at a cost-effective rate and be appropriate to the age of the pupil and the days they attended.
Travel and Transport may request confirmation of attendance from the school for audit purposes.
All refunds will be at the discretion of the appropriate Travel and Transport Manager.
