Transport challenges resolved for siblings placed in different schools

April 21, 2026

Siblings placed in different schools following a Service relocation, creating transport and timing challenges.

What was the situation?

Upon a Service family’s move to a new area in England, for Service reasons, the two siblings were placed in different schools with different catchment areas. One of the school locations exceeded the statutory walking distance. The mother had limited transport options to get the children to their different schools on time from where they were based. Due to the transport limitations and the different school locations, the family had a longer morning journey to drop both children off at school. It was unlikely that both children would arrive at school on time.

What made this Covenant disadvantage?

Due to the Armed Forces needing to relocate this family, they were required to secure school places at short notice, unlike civilian families who are less likely to move as frequently. The family’s morning journey to school became more difficult than for civilian families as the local authority could not place them in nearby schools. The children could not arrive at school as promptly as other civilian children, increasing the burden on the mother and children.

What was done to help?

The family’s Service-related disadvantage was resolved through the normal application of the free school transport policy:

• The family contacted their local authority, completing an online application for free school transport.
• They were provided with a free taxi service for one child, allowing the mother to walk the other child to school.
• The school also offered after-school care until she could collect one child and until she returned home for the taxi to drop off the other child.

What was the outcome?

The mother’s transport and timing difficulties were resolved. The mother could manage school drop-offs and pick-ups more easily and the children could attend school and after-school care.

Disclaimer: This case study is part of the Covenant case study database, which has been developed to illustrate examples of good practice for organisations in scope of the Covenant. It is intended to act as a guide for good delivery, providing practical insight into how fairness for the Armed Forces community can be achieved. Delivery of the Covenant may vary across the UK, so there is no guarantee that the solution outlined in this case study will be available in your area.