Primary and secondary school: if the school year has already started
The following information is for you if you are new to Leeds, your child is already old enough to go to primary or secondary school and the school year has already started.
Firstly, you will need to fill out a form called the ‘In year common preference form (ICPF)’. You must apply for a minimum of 3 schools but you can apply for up to 5. The form can be found on the Leeds City Council website:
You need to take a copy of the completed ICPF form to one of the schools you would like to apply to. It is a good idea to choose the school you prefer most.
You will be given a receipt by the school. Keep this safe as it explains what to do if you do not hear back about your application.
The school will let the council know if they cannot offer you a place and the council will contact the other schools in your list for you.
If you can not take the form to the school because it is not open you can send it to Leeds City Council:
by email [email protected]
or post it to: Leeds City Council, PO Box 837, Admissions, Leeds, LS1 9PZ.
The forms will then be sent to the schools for you.
If the school cannot offer you a place your child will automatically be added to the waiting list. The admissions team will also write to you let you know about other schools in your area and available places at these schools.
Primary school only: if your child needs to start school in September
This information is for you if your child needs to start school for the first time in September.
If your child is due to start primary school in September, you will usually need to apply before January and you can only do this online, so you will need internet and an email address to apply. If you do not have access to the internet at home, you could go to your local Community Hub or One Stop Centre for free internet access. You can find your local Community Hub and One Stop Centre:
Find Your Local Community Hub and One Stop Centre
You will receive a letter no later than the November (10 months before) inviting you to apply for a place at school.
The letter will tell you which school is the main one (priority). This is based on where you live. You should include this school as one of the five you apply for (see below for details).
Find out more on the Leeds City Council website:
Secondary school only: if your child needs to start school in September
If your child is due to start secondary school in September, you will receive a letter in August (one year in advance) inviting you to apply for their place at school.
You need to apply for a place for them between August and end of October the previous year. This is done online:
How to fill out the forms for primary and secondary school places
On all school application forms you should list up to 5 schools.
You must list the schools you would like your child to attend. You need to list them in order of your preference. This means number 1 is the school you would most like your child to attend. Be aware, there is no guarantee your child will be offered a place there.
You can find more information on applying for a primary school place on the Leeds City Council website. This includes a video on filling out the application form, and contact details if you need further help:
For more information on applying for a secondary school place, go to:
What happens if you are offered a place for your child
If you are offered a school place for your child you have 5 days to accept the place.
What happens if your child is not offered a place at their nearest school
Please be aware, there is a high demand for school places, and there may not be a place available at your nearest school. If all the schools you have applied to are full, Leeds City Council will write to you to tell you which of your nearest schools have places. You will then need to contact these schools to apply for a place for your child.
What happens if you have more than one child
If you have more than one child, the council will try to offer brothers and sisters a place at the same school, but this may not always be possible. When you complete the application forms, you should include details of all the children you are applying for.
If you move house
If you move house you need to tell Leeds City Council, and send proof of your new address such as a council tax bill, tax credit statement, tenancy agreement or utility bill to [email protected] or Leeds City Council, PO Box 837, Admissions, Leeds, LS1 9PZ.
