Westmorland and Furness Council has announce the continuation of the post-16 transport bursary scheme given the financial sustainability challenges the Council is facing, helping young people access post-16 education and training.
There is wide recognition that young people face challenges in accessing post-16 education and training, with transport costs often being a significant barrier. The bursary scheme helps make travel more affordable and supports young people age 16+ in their choice of the education and training opportunities they can pursue.
Supporting transport costs can have a positive impact on young people's prospects and life chances, while also helping local businesses by developing the skills and workforce needed for the future.
Councillor Janet Battye, Cabinet Member for Children's Services said:
"We know that transport costs can be a challenge for many young people, especially in rural areas. This bursary scheme will help more young people access education and training opportunities, regardless of where they live.
"By reducing barriers to learning, we can help young people develop the skills they need for the future while supporting local employers and our wider economy."
The 2026-27 post 16 transport bursary application window will run from today (24 August) to 1 October 2026. Students who received a bursary in 2025-26 and are continuing into the second/third year their course will be able to reapply early. Although payments will be made in mid-October, early applications will be prioritised and processed during August and September.
To be eligible for the transport bursary, applicants must:
Be a resident of Westmorland and Furness.
Be aged under the age of 19 on 1 September 2026
Be enrolled on a full-time post-16 education, training or apprenticeship programme, supported internship (EHCP) for the 2026-27 academic year.
Not be from a household where there is an additional rate taxpayer
Applications for the 2026-27 transport bursary scheme open today (24 August 2026) and close on 1 October 2026. Find out more and apply here: Post-16 Transport and the 16-19 Bursary Scheme | Westmorland and Furness Council
(The scheme is different from the A2B NowCard which is a bus pass for young people which offers reduced fares on all local bus services in our area. Anyone aged 5 to 20 and live in Westmorland and Furness can apply for the pass. It costs £10 per year.) More info here: A2B NowCard | Westmorland and Furness Council
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