Apply for next year’s secondary school place by end of October

Half term is nearly here, which means for families with a child in Year 6 it’s time to look ahead to September 2023 and apply for a secondary school place.

Parents and carers must apply to Leeds City Council by the deadline of Monday 31 October, using the online application form and stating their 5 preferred secondary schools.

The council website has a wealth of information to help families find out about schools in Leeds and how to apply. Visit www.leeds.gov.uk/apply for further guidance and access to the online application form. For a handy summary of the application process watch our video guide to school admissions:

The council’s admissions team will be answering questions live on social media during one-hour Q&A sessions. Join us @leedscouncil on Facebook and Instagram on Friday 14 October at midday or Tuesday 25 October at 2:30pm.

You can name 5 preferred schools when you apply. Last year over 96% of applicants were offered one of their preferred schools.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said:

“Starting secondary school is a major milestone for children and a big change in family routines too. Researching schools and understanding how they offer places will give you the best chance of an outcome that works well for you and your family.

“The council website is a great place to start. You can search for schools near you, find out how schools prioritise offers and read Ofsted reports to help you identify your 5 preferred schools.

“When you come to apply, the golden rule is to name 5 schools on your application in order of preference, because we can only consider you for a place at a school you’ve asked for. If you get a place at more than one we can then offer you the school highest on your list.

“Staying local and having siblings at the same school is important to many families. We advise listing a school where your address gives you catchment priority and telling us about a brother or sister already at school. If you need any further advice, our admissions team will be happy to help.”

Leeds City Council’s school admissions team can help with queries, including alternative ways to apply if you don’t have internet access. You can call (0113) 222 4414 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm (except Wednesday when lines open at 10am).

National offer day for secondary school places is 1 March 2023.

 

This post is based on a press release issued by Leeds City Council