Keywords: Houlton Rugby school transport, free school taxi, Kilsby Primary transport, Hillmorton school transport, Warwickshire school bus pass, appeal school transport
Relocating to Houlton, Rugby mid-year is like joining a game of musical chairs—except the chairs are school seats and the music is council paperwork. Once you’ve secured a school spot, the next challenge is getting your kids there. Spoiler alert: free council-provided transport (yes, even taxis!) is a game-changer, but it comes with rules and a dash of persistence.
Free Transport Eligibility
Councils offer free transport if:
- Your child attends the nearest qualifying school and lives over 2 miles (primary, ages 5–8) or 3 miles (ages 8–16) away, measured by the shortest walking route.
- The route to school is deemed unsafe (more on that below).
- You qualify for free school meals or maximum Working Tax Credit, and the school is 2–6 miles away (or 2–15 miles for faith-based schools).
Applying for Free Transport
- Northamptonshire (e.g., Kilsby Primary): Apply via North Northamptonshire Council’s school transport page. Submit the online form, and expect a response within 28 days.
- Warwickshire (e.g., Hillmorton, Lawrence Sheriff): Use the Warwickshire County Council transport application. A valid bus pass is mandatory—without it, your kid might be left at the curb like a forgotten rugby ball.
- Lost Passes: Replacement passes cost £6–£10. Order online, but don’t expect them to mail it to your house—schools often distribute them.
Our Taxi Appeal Triumph
When we moved to Houlton, we chose Kilsby Primary for our younger son. The council initially rejected our transport application, claiming the route was safe. Safe? With no footpath and cars zooming by like they’re in a Grand Prix? We appealed through North Northamptonshire’s appeal process, arguing the route was hazardous. Victory! The council agreed and provided a free taxi. Later, when our younger son joined Hillmorton Primary, we faced another rejection. No footpath again! Another appeal, another free taxi. Persistence is key, folks—channel your inner rugby player and tackle that appeal form
Keep Pushing Forward
Appealing a transport decision might feel like arguing with a referee, but it’s worth it for free rides. Next up, we’ll dive into bus passes for older kids and how our son scored free travel across Warwickshire!
Got a transport appeal story? Drop it in the comments!