It may only be the start of the summer holidays but families with children starting secondary school in September 2013 can start applying for their child’s school place online from this week.
Parents and carers with children who will start secondary school in 2013 can apply securely online at www.leeds.gov.uk/residents/Pages/Admissions.aspx from Wednesday until 31 October 2012.
Offers will be made on 1 March 2013. If parents and carers do not want to apply online, application forms are also available from their current school (during term time) and should be completed listing five schools in order of preference.
Primary school applications for September 2013 will open
online from 1 November and close at a later date of 15 January 2013.
Offers will be made on 16 April 2013. If parents and carers do not want to apply online, application forms will also be available from primary schools (during term time) and should be completed listing five schools in order of preference.
The majority of parents and carers are expected to take advantage of the secure, safe online admissions applications, which any parent or carer with access to an email account can use.
An acknowledgment email will be sent which forms proof of receipt. It’s vital that families list up to five preferred schools they wish their children to attend to make sure as many children can attend their preferred school as possible.
Parents are also strongly advised to include their nearest school to maximise their chances of getting a local place.
To help parents and carers make the right decision, Leeds City
Council has helped provide the Choice Advice Service – a confidential service which provides impartial advice, guidance and information to families applying for secondary school places for their children.
It has lots of useful information about secondary schools in Leeds, including OfSTED reports, league tables, transport and uniform information, and admission policies.
They provide impartial advice about all aspects of the admissions process for secondary schools.
To use the service, phone 0113 3950596, email
choice.advice@leeds.gov.uk or visit www.leedsparentpartnership.co.uk.
Councillor Judith Blake executive board member
responsible for children’s services (and Middleton Park councillor), said:
“Deciding which school is best for your child is an important decision and, with so many good schools in Leeds, is not an easy one to make.
“A lot of work has gone into making the admissions process as straight forward as possible and the online form is quick
and easy to fill in. Of course, there are still traditional forms available – and assistance if needed – to ensure every child and young person has the best chance of attending their preferred school.”
