Pupil and Student Services

Post 16 Transport Policy

Your questions answered

Are Education Maintenance Allowance grants available locally?

You can get Education Maintenance Allowance grants from Barking and Dagenham and Newham

Are there concessionary fares, discounts subsides, passes or travel cards for students?

Transport for London provides photo cards, which are available to students aged 18 and over, which can be obtained and authorised from their place of education
For students 16-17 they can apply directly to the Transport for London for the student photo card

How much does the card cost?

The card costs £5

When can I use my discount card?

Students can use their discount cards at any time.

What other information is required?

Each applicant will need their own application form, which needs to be stamped by the college and they also need to supply a passport sized photograph.

What discount will I get?

You will receive 30% discount on your travel.

Where can I use my card?

You can use your card on the following:

London Buses
London Underground
Tramlink
Docklands Light Railway

What about if I go to 6th form?

You can apply for a travel grant from Pupil Student Services
The travel grant is paid termly to help towards travel expenses
You may eligible be for £90 travel grant per term
Only students who reside in Barking and Dagenham are eligible for the grant

What if I am at college?

You need to contact your financial support officer at the college.

What help is provided for students with disabilities/special educational needs?

Transport is provided in line with any student's statement of special educational needs
Transport is also provided if it is stated in the student's transition plan
Students with physical disabilities will be decided on an individual needs basis

What about residential placements?

You will be transported to college at the beginning and end of term
You may also have a visit home during each term
Transport arrangements can be made through the Home to School Travel Officer
Alternatively parents/carers can claim travel expenses and transport the student themselves

What about when I reach 19?

If you began your course before reaching 19 years old, your support will continue until the end of the academic year.

Is there any mobility/independence training?

There is a pilot scheme that is starting in the near future
It is taking place in 2 of the secondary school special needs bases and if successful will be introduced to a larger section of the community
Also Barking College and Trinity School do this training as part of their curriculum

How do I know if I am eligible for support?

If you receive an Education Maintenance Allowance you may not be eligible for a travel grant
If you are receipt of a state benefit or are in public care you are eligible for support
If your parents' income levels qualify for Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, or an income of less than £14,200 you are eligible for support
If your parents' have evidence of approved asylum seeker status you are eligible for support
If you are a dependant of a full time student you are eligible for support

What if my Education Maintenance Allowance doesn't cover the travel costs?

Under exceptional circumstances extra support will be considered for those students who are in receipt of an Education Maintenance Allowance grant.

When should I apply for the travel grant?

You can apply from April before the new academic year
Or as soon as a place in the college/6th Form has been confirmed

What if the college is out of borough?

The same policy applies if the college is out of the borough
If the travel expenses exceed the Education Maintenance Allowance grant further support can be obtained from the college