Getting you there
Learning Support Team
If you have applied to start College from September 2024 and have medical, additional learning needs (ALN) or a disability that makes it difficult for you to walk or access mainstream transport then you can apply for Special Transport.
Contact:
-
Learning Support
Pembrokeshire College
Haverfordwest
SA61 1SZ - learningsupport@pembrokeshire.ac.uk
Eligibility
Special Transport is discretionary and every year you are at College you must apply and meet the following criteria:
- be a full-time learner and under 19 on the first of September and live over three miles from College
OR
- be a full-time learner and over 19 on the first of September and contribute to the costs (see below for more details)
AND
- have an evidenced medical condition, Additional Learning Need (ALN) or disability that prevents you from accessing mainstream transport or walking to College
Evidence
You will need to submit either or both of the following:
- Medical – a medical certificate or letter which clearly explains your inability to walk the specified three miles to College or use mainstream transport.
- Additional Learning Needs (ALN) or Disability: a copy of your Individual Development Plan (IDP), Learning and Skills Plan (LSP) or other professional report which explains the reason you cannot walk or travel on mainstream transport.
Costs
You are responsible to contribute towards the costs of special transport if:
- you are a full-time learner aged 19 or over on the first of September
OR
- live within three miles of the College
Three days a week in College
Costs below are for special transport for three days a week in College and the distance in miles to where you live.
| Miles | Annual | Termly | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 3 | £630.00 | £210.00 | £63.00 | £18.00 |
| 4 - 7 | £682.50 | £227.50 | £68.25 | £19.50 |
| 8 - 14 | £787.50 | £262.50 | £78.75 | £22.50 |
| 15 - 25 | £892.50 | £297.50 | £89.25 | £25.50 |
| 26 + | £997.50 | £332.50 | £99.75 | £28.50 |
All payments are due in advance. Termly payments are due at the beginning of each term: September, January and April.
Four days a week in College
Costs below are for special transport for four days a week in College and the distance in miles to where you live.
| Miles | Annual | Termly | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 3 | £840.00 | £280.00 | £84.00 | £24.00 |
| 4 - 7 | £910.00 | £303.33 | £91.00 | £26.00 |
| 8 - 14 | £1050.00 | £350.00 | £105.00 | £30.00 |
| 15 - 25 | £1190.00 | £396.67 | £119.00 | £34.00 |
| 26 + | £1330.00 | £443.33 | £133.00 | £38.00 |
All payments are due in advance. Termly payments are due at the beginning of each term: September, January and April.
Funding
There are two paths for funding, you can apply online below and/or check if you are eligible on the Student Finance page.
- Financial Contingency Fund (FCF) application is for students aged 16 and over who have a low income to help with a contribution towards transport.
- Welsh Government Learning Grant (WGLG) application is available to students aged 19 or over who are studying and are on a low income. You will need to provide proof of identity and your bank details.
If you are not eligible or choose not to apply for funding, you will be required to pay the total costs for transport.
Application Process
The application deadline for each year is mid June. Please ensure you have completed the online application form and submitted all evidence before this date.
Applications which do not meet the eligibility criteria or are not completed correctly will not be accepted.
Applications that are received after the deadline will not have transport from the start of term.
Whilst every effort will be made to meet each application, this is dependent on transport and route availability.
- Complete online application form
- Email copies of all supporting evidence
- Arrange funding or pay costs (if applicable)
After Application
Your completed application form and supporting evidence will be reviewed by a College Special Transport Panel, who will either:
- Approve your application – the panel may determine that access to special transport is for the whole year or for a lesser period depending on the evidence you submit. The panel will notify the Local Authority of the decision and they will be in touch with you to confirm the transport arrangements.
- Decline your application – you will be notified in writing, and you can appeal but you will need to provide further evidence of why special transport support is needed. Your appeal should be sent within five working days via email to the Accounts and Finance Manager. You will receive their decision within five working days. There is no further right of appeal.
