Schools

If you’re studying in Leeds and have school-age children, there are plenty of options for both primary (Ages 4–11), secondary education (Ages 11 - 16) and further education.

Types of Schools

State Schools – Free to attend and funded by the government. Admission is usually based on catchment areas.
Independent Schools – Fee-paying schools, often offering smaller class sizes and additional facilities.
Faith Schools – Schools with a religious character, such as Church of England or Catholic schools.
Special Educational Needs (SEND) – All schools must support children with SEND, and Leeds also has specialist schools for additional needs.

Admissions

Applications for primary school places usually open in November and close by mid January for the following academic year. Applications for secondary school places open in September and close by 31 October.

You can apply online through Leeds City Council School Admissions website.

If you move to Leeds during the school year, you’ll need to make an in-year application.

If your child is older than 16

If your child is aged 16–18, they’ll move on to college or sixth form after finishing secondary school.

Options for Post-16 Education:

Sixth Form – Usually attached to a secondary school, offering A-levels and sometimes vocational courses.
Further Education Colleges – Larger institutions offering a wide range of courses including apprenticeships.

Students aged 16–18 often don’t pay tuition fees for full-time courses and applications are noramlly made online but be sure to check with the school or college first.

You can find out more about the options available for post 16 education here.