Spare Seat Application Window – Academic Year 2026/27
Dear Parent/Guardian
The dates for the spare seat application window for academic year 2026 have been finalised. Should you wish to apply for a spare seat for your child to use the school bus service you will need to apply between 9am on Monday 29th June 2026 and 4pm on Friday 10th July 2026 for children in school years 0 – 11, only. Please be aware this date might change. This webpage will be updated with any changes should this occur. You will not be able to apply for spare seats for sixth form students (school years 12 – 14) at this time. Please note that the online form will only be live between the above times and that applications received outside of this window will not be accepted.
Further information on the spare seat process can be found online, here: Spare seat scheme - Isle of Wight Council Please also note the Code of Good Practice is available on this webpage: Code of good practice - school transport - Isle of Wight Council
If you scroll to the bottom of the spare seat webpage you will see the bus services for which you can apply. This information will be live from 9am on Monday 29th June 2026. Should the service you require not be listed you will not be able to apply for that service at this time.
Do bear in mind that making an application for a spare seat does not guarantee a seat on the school bus.
Spare seat ticket prices are set costs as follows.
- - Up to a full term £200.83
- - Up to half a term £100.42
- - Up to a full term AM or PM only £100.42
- - Up to half a term AM or PM only £50.21
Should you have any queries please contact the Transport Team at the Council via email: transport.info@iow.gov.uk or telephone: 823780.
Important Points to Note
- There will only be 1 application window before the start of the academic year so please ensure you apply during this window for your child to be considered for a seat.
- Information on bus services that can be offered will be available on the website from 9am on Monday 29th June 2026.
- We may not be able to provide an update on the number of seats available before the application window opens but please be aware seats availability will be very limited.
- There is a strict payment deadline for making payment. Should you miss this deadline, the seat offered to your child will be offered to the next child on the waiting list (should one exist) and your application will be cancelled.
- Once applications have been processed by the Transport Team you will be able to see the status of your application online as well as make payment without having to contact the Council.
