Our Post‑16 Travel Assistance scheme starts on 1 May 2026. Applications sent before this date will not be considered.
What's the cheapest way of travelling?
Where possible, students aged 16-25 should travel to their school or college using public transport. This is likely to be the cheapest way of travelling.
- Catch the Bus Tool Kit!
- Cornwall Public Transport
- National Concession Bus Pass
- Transport for Cornwall
- Traveline SouthWest
What other schemes are available?
If public transport is unavailable or unsuitable, students should contact their school or college. Many schools and colleges also offer their own transport schemes. See some examples below.
- Callywith College
Cornwall Council does not have access to Callywith College’s own bus network.
Please seek support through the college’s own scheme. - Cornwall College
- Helston Community College
- Petroc
- Truro and Penwith College
What does Cornwall Council offer?
Students Aged 16-18
Cornwall Council provides a subsidised travel scheme for eligible students. The payment contribution for the 2026/27 academic year is £708 per student. This payment contribution is required for all students - including those with an Education, Health and Care Plan. This can be paid in full, or termly in advance – see breakdown below.
- Autumn Term- £265
- Spring Term- £265
- Summer Term - £178
If you cannot afford the payment contribution, please ask your school or college about their 16-19 Bursary Fund.
This is provided to schools and colleges by Central Government to support students aged 16 to 19 with the cost of staying in education or training. National guidance advises that the money students (or their school or college) receive from the 16-19 Bursary Fund can be spent on the required payment contribution towards travel costs.
Students Aged 19-25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan
Cornwall Council offers free travel assistance for eligible students.
Who is eligible?
You can apply for a place at any school or college but you may not necessarily be eligible for travel assistance. The eligibility criteria for travel assistance is set out within Cornwall's Post-16 Transport Policy - see link below.
We recommend that you read this document before:
- applying for a school or college place
and - applying for travel assistance
If you are unsure if you are eligible for travel assistance, please contact us.
Post-16 Travel Assistance Policy 2026/27
What travel arrangements will be provided?
If eligible, travel assistance will be provided by way of a bus pass. This may be for:
- public transport
- a bus contracted to Cornwall Council solely for transporting students to and from school or college
If travel via bus is unavailable or (evidenced to be) unsuitable, alternative travel arrangements will be provided.
Already receiving travel assistance but your circumstances have changed
You are required to inform the Council’s Transport Coordination Service of any changes which may affect your eligibility within 21 days of the change. You can do this using the 'Contact Us' form below. Failure to do this may result in action being taken by the Council, including legal proceedings and the recovery of the cost of any travel support incorrectly claimed.
How to apply?
You can apply using the link below from 1 May 2026.
Do not apply before this date - your application will NOT be considered.