Free travel to school
All children under the age of 18 in full time education are allowed to travel free on London buses. Children aged 14+ must apply for an oyster card to prove their age. The application forms are available from any local post office and there is a one-off administration charge of £5.
Children transferring to secondary school at 11+
Eligibility for free travel to school or college is summarised below or you can access the full home to school and college transport policy 
(PDF: 50KB)
Most pupils living and attending schools in Barnet will not be entitled to free travel on the tube or trains because there will usually be a school place offered within a three mile walking distance of their home offering suitable education, or the journey to the school can be accessed by bus.
The fact that a child attends a school more than three miles away will not normally mean that the pupils will receive free travel. However it may be provided if:
- The pupil’s family is on Income Support, income based Job Seeker’s Allowance, Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit if the assessed annual income is less than £15,575 and the pupil’s school is more than three miles walking distance away; or
- There are exceptional medical, social or educational reasons.
- If the child has a statement of Special Education Needs (SEN)
When children move into the area and change secondary schools
If there are no places available in maintained schools within a three mile walking distance of the home free travel may be provided to the nearest available maintained school. Please note that fulfilling one or more of the above criteria does not mean you are automatically entitled to free travel to school; each application is considered on its own merits.
Children, young people and families
