Post-16 transport policy statement (2026) - statutory consultation

We are consulting on our annual post-16 transport policy statement. This lays out the arrangements for transport, or other support, that the council will provide to ensure that anyone of ‘sixth form age’ can attend education or training.

Sixth form age covers any child or young person aged 16 to 19, or up to the age of 25 with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The statement is for all post-16 learners, which means young people from the age of 16 who are in education or training, continuing learners aged 19 including those with an education, health or care plan (EHCP) up to the age of 25.

The statement should inform young people and their parents/carers about what transport arrangements and support are available locally for the following academic year.

We are required under Section 509A of the Education Act 1996 to consult on our annual Post-16 transport policy statement each year before it is published on the Council website by the 31 May.

We have tried to make the statement easier to understand and include as much information as possible about the support which will be available for young people from September 2026. We want to hear what you think about our statement.

The consultation for the 2026-27 transport policy statement ends on 15 May 2026.

We welcome feedback from all interested parties, including:

• Young people living in Tower Hamlets aged 16 to 24
• Parents and carers
• Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) organisations
• Neighbouring local authorities
• The governing bodies of schools and further education institutions
• Transport for London