The system of education in this country may be unfamiliar to you if you have only recently arrived in the United Kingdom.
Education in Leeds
We want all children in Leeds to have access to good schools, which are continually improving. We want every child to know they are welcome and valued. Schools in Leeds are committed to promoting race, gender, faith and disability equality.
Education Leeds is the organisation responsible for co-ordinating education in the city and supporting schools, children and parents so that these goals can be achieved.
Education is free in state schools for young people up to the age of 19, whatever your immigration status. In Leeds, like the rest of the UK, children will be placed in a class with children near to their own age.
Compulsory education
A good education will help give your child the knowledge and confidence to achieve a rich, fulfilled, happy and successful life. That is why education is compulsory for all children between the ages of five and 16 years.
You are responsible for making sure your child regularly attends school. If getting your child to attend school regularly causes any problems, you should contact the school or Education Leeds, who will be able to help you.
Language support
Whatever language your children speak, we are committed to providing them with the best possible education. Your school will help your child to learn English, and provide them with other support for their learning.
Education for children under the age of four
Education for children under the age of four is not compulsory, but there are a range of services which will look after your baby or young child for you during the day. Some of these are run by the local authority and are free. Other early years services are privately run and are usually expensive. If you need any further information about education for children under the age of four, please contact the Leeds Children’s Information Service on 0113 247 4386.
Primary schools
Primary schools provide education for children aged four to 11 years. Most primary schools are quite small and there will usually be a primary school within walking distance of wherever you live. All state primary schools in Leeds are for both boys and girls.
Most children in Leeds attend primary school from the age of four, in a reception class. Applications for a reception class should be made a year before the child is due to start school. Please contact the admissions team if need further information on 0113 247 5729.
Secondary schools
Secondary schools educate young people aged between 11 and 19 years old. Your children can leave at school at 16, but they are also able to continue their free school education until they are 19. Most secondary schools are for both boys and girls, although there is one all girls’ school in the Leeds area.
Most children in Leeds attend secondary school from the age of 11. Applications for secondary school should be made a year before the child is due to start school. Please contact the admissions team if need further information on 0113 247 5729.
School uniform
Most schools in Leeds want pupils and students to wear a school uniform. Make sure you find out what the school uniform is at the school you want your child to go to.
You may be able to receive help if you are unable to pay for your child’s school uniform. Please contact Leeds Benefits Service on 0845 127 0113 if you need advice and further information.
School meals
All Leeds schools provide lunchtime meals for pupils who do not bring their own lunch or go home for lunch. Your child may be entitled to free school meals. Your school will be happy to advise you. Please contact Leeds Benefits Service on 0845 127 0113 if you need advice and further information.
What your children will be taught
All schools must teach mathematics, English, science, history, geography, technology, music, art and physical education to all children aged five to 14 years. Children aged 11 to 16 may also choose to learn a modern language.
Your children will be regularly tested throughout their school years so that teachers can assess how well they are learning. There are particularly important examinations at the ages 16 and 18. If you want your child to go to university, college or a good job, it is important they do well in these examinations.
Selecting a school
You should contact the Admissions Team at Education Leeds for information about how to select a school for your child. You can telephone them on 0113 247 5729 for information and advice. You can also visit any schools that interest you and meet the headteacher, staff and children.
When to get in touch
We want our schools to be safe, friendly places for everyone who uses them. If your child is being bullied, for any reason at all, the first people to tell are the teachers at your child’s school. If you are not happy with how they are dealing with the problem, you should contact the headteacher at your school who will investigate your complaint. If you are still unhappy after this, you should contact the Chair of Governors of the school. If you need any advice about how to deal with any complaints, please contact the Customer Relations service at Education Leeds on 0113 247 5688. The Education Leeds website is www.educationleeds.co.uk