Primary school admissions

General information

• A guide to starting primary school in Leeds 2010-2011 
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• More information and maps of oversubscribed primary schools are available on the 'Starting primary school' page
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When should my child start school?

Your child must be in school the term following their fifth birthday. This is unless you decide to educate them at home, in which case you must contact the Admissions Team who will advise you on what to do.

Education Leeds allows children to start school earlier than this. If your child was born between 1 September 2006 and 31 August 2007 they can start school in September 2011.

We normally only allow children to start primary school in the appropriate age range. You must ensure your child receives an appropriate full time education from the term following their fifth birthday. Almost all children start school in Leeds in the September following their fourth birthday. However, parents can request that the start date for their child is deferred until later in the school year in the case of children who have not reached their 5th birthday. You can also request that your child attends part-time until he/she reaches compulsory school age. If you want a later start date within the academic year you should discuss this with the school. If your child is born in the summer term and you wish to defer entry until the next academic year, unless you have exceptional reasons, you will need to apply for a place in year 1. You should contact The Admissions Team for further advice.

When should I apply?

You can apply for a place for September 2011 from 1st November 2010 by using the online system. The closing date for application to primary school for September 2011 is 15 January 2011. We recommend that you use the on-line system to register your preferences, the benefits of doing so are:

• It is quicker, easier and safer than applying on a paper form
• You will receive a confirmation email that your preferences have been received
• Applications that are sent through the post can be lost, if you apply on line you are provided with proof of the information that you have sent us
• You will be able to log back in and check or change your details up until the closing date of 15 January 2011
• On 20 April 2011 you will receive confirmation of your school offer by email, applications by post will only be sent their offer, by post, on 20 April and will not receive their offer at the same time as on line applications.

If you do not want to apply on line you can collect a blank form from your local primary school or you can contact the Admissions Team who will send one to you, it is your responsibility to apply for a school place.

Can I choose more than one school?

You can request a place at three schools, listed in order of preference.

Do I have to give a preference?

Yes, if you want your child to be considered for a place. Even if you want a place at your local school or your child already attends the nursery or even if you already have another child at the school, you must fill in the common preference form. If you do not give a preference your child may not be offered a place as parents who give a preference for their child, will be considered over those who do not.

Some criteria also mention a sibling. What is this?

A sibling is a brother or sister. If you have another child attending the school you should tell us about this child when prompted, during the online application process as a sibling at the school may give you higher priority, under the admission criteria. Please see our guide to Starting Primary School in Leeds 2011-12 on this website, for further information on the definition of a sibling.

Will my child be accepted for a place at my preferred school?

This will depend upon the number of applications and the number of places available. Priority for places will be determined by the admission criteria for the school in question.

What are the criteria?

The admission policy for community and voluntary-controlled schools can be found in the summary pamphlet or in the full booklet called ‘Starting primary school in Leeds’. Some schools are voluntary-aided schools and have a different criteria, you should check these carefully before applying to assess your chances. These policies can be found on our website, contacting the school direct or by looking on the schools’ web page. It may also be necessary to complete a supplementary information form for these schools, which will be available from the school itself or a link will appear, as you apply for the schools that need this extra information if you apply on line.

Can I apply for a place in another local authority?

Leeds is bordered by four councils with responsibility for the provision of education. These are North Yorkshire, Wakefield, Bradford and Kirklees. You should contact these councils for details of their schools and procedures. Their telephone numbers can be found in the Starting primary school in Leeds booklet or on the useful links page from this site.

If you pay council tax to the Leeds Local Authority you must apply to Leeds for a school place, even if some, or all of the schools you are requesting are in other Local Authorities.

What else should I look at before deciding?

You could obtain a copy of the school’s prospectus and Ofsted report from the school or their website and libraries. You may wish to contact the school and visit.

You can also look at the Starting primary school page which contains maps of over-subscribed primary schools.

What happens if I am refused a place at my preferred school?

When we write or email you on 20 April 2011 with our offer we will include details of the waiting list and appeal processes if we have not offered you any of your preferred schools

What about transport?

For more information see the Transport section of the Education Leeds website.

What if I do not want to take up the place offered?

If you turn down the offer of a place, or do not respond to the letter, the place will be withdrawn. We will provide you with a reply slip which you must return to us to accept the place or to tell us why you do not want to accept the place that has been offered.