Free school transport
We will provide free school transport for:
- primary pupils who live one and a half miles or more from their local primary school
- secondary pupils who live three miles or more from their local secondary school
Distance is measured using the recognised shortest suitable walking route.
This policy is more generous than the law requires and may be reviewed at any time.
Free transport may also be available for:
- medical conditions, or
- if you move house at a critical stage of your child’s education
If you feel your child qualifies for free school travel and you wish to take advantage of this option, please fill in the school transport online application form below.
Application notes for parent and carers
You do not need to apply again if your child was approved for free school transport for the 2025–2026 school year due to:
- living more than one and half miles from their primary school
- living more than three miles from their secondary school
- no safe walking route to school
Your child will stay registered for free transport until the end of P7 or S6.
New applications
You should submit a new application for:
- new P1 and S1 pupils who require transport for 2026–2027
- any pupil if their family has moved home
- privilege seats
Privilege seats
Privilege seats may be available if space allows in existing school transport contracts.
You must apply every year for a privilege seat, and payments are due before the transport starts. You can chose to pay:
- the full year in August, or
- three instalments in August, December and April
For part-year applications, you must pay the full amount when your application is approved.
If you feel your child qualifies for a privilege seat and you wish apply, please fill in the school transport online application form below.
Apply online
If your child needs transport to school from August 2026:
- apply online using the application form below
- register for an Our East Ayrshire account, if you do not already have one
Apply for school transport