Warning for Leeds parents as secondary school applications deadline looms - how to apply
The deadline for secondary school applications closes this week
Parents in Leeds are being warned of the looming deadline for secondary school place applications.
The deadline for applications is Saturday, October 31, 2026, and families are being urged to submit their preferences before the cut-off.
Applications submitted after the deadline may be treated with lower priority than those submitted on time, potentially reducing the chances of securing a place at a preferred school.
Here’s everything you need to know as you prepare to submit those all important final applications...
Deadline to apply
If your child was born between September 1, 2015 and August 31, 2016, then you can submit their application online via Leeds City Council’s website.
The deadline is this Saturday (October 31). Applications can be made online, where you can also find information about different schools, catchment areas, home-to-school transport and admissions arrangements.
Submitting a late application
Most Leeds schools will treat any applications submitted by November 28, 2026 as on time.
If you have exceptional reasons why you could not submit your application by this date, you should contact Leeds City Council by email. Not receiving a reminder to apply is not an exceptional reason.
When you will find out
Secondary school offers day is March 1, 2027. If you applied through the online application portal, you will receive an email, during the working day, with your child's offer.
If you applied in any other way, you'll receive an offer letter to your registered home address (a few days after offer day).
Make sure you use the right address
If there is 50/50 shared care arrangement, the parents can agree, in writing, which of their two addresses to use for the application. It will not be possible to change the address to be that of the other parent later in the application process.
Both parents must agree on the application and the council cannot resolve disputes between parents, only a family court can do this.
Moving home during the application process
If you're planning on moving home, you should apply using your current address and update your application as soon as you move.
Leeds City Council can only update your address once you've moved into the new property and have sent evidence. If you do not inform them about changes, they may withdraw your school offer.
Moving to Leeds from abroad
If you live outside the UK and are planning to move to Leeds soon, you can apply for a Leeds school place. You must use your international address until your child has arrived in Leeds.
You will not be able to apply online and will need to request a paper application by contacting City Council.
Check if you live in a school's catchment area
Many schools give priority to children who live within their catchment or priority area.
Living in a school's catchment area does not guarantee your child a place at the school, it places your child's application higher up the list of applicants.
Find five schools to apply for
You should apply for five schools to give your child the best chance of getting a place at a school you want.
You'll need to list schools by preference when you apply. Schools do not know what preference you give them on your application. If a place is available at more than one school, we'll offer you the one highest on your list.
Check what chance your child has of getting a place
Each school has its own set of rules that they use to decide which children to offer a place to. This is called their admissions policy. You should read the admissions policy for each of the schools you want to apply for.
This will help you to check what chance your child has of getting a place. Common rules include prioritising children who: have an older sibling at the school and live in the school's catchment area.
Check how your child will travel to the school
You should check that your child will be able to get to the schools that you are applying for. You can check this via school transport on Metro.
Children can get help with transport to their nearest qualifying school, if it’s over the walking distance set out by the law.
Attend school open days or evenings
Open days or evenings give you the opportunity to visit a school to decide whether it's right for your child. You'll be able to speak to teachers and ask any questions you might have.
Most secondary schools run open days and evenings in September and October. Primary schools may run them from September to December.