All York community primary schools have their own catchment areas. If you live in the catchment area of your preferred school your child would normally be allocated a place there. Unfortunately, this is not always possible if a school has reached its admission limit.

If your child does not get a place in your preferred school you have the right to appeal to an independent panel. Decisions made by the panel are legally binding on both ourselves and the governors of the school.

We can advise you

• which is your catchment school
• which schools have places
• on your right of appeal if your chosen school has already reached its admission limit

Infant class sizes

From September 2001, new legislation was introduced restricting class sizes for key stage 1 (infants) to no more than 30 children. We will need to take this into account when allocating places in reception, year 1 and year 2.

Applying for a place in a primary school

Parents need to complete a Common Application form, indicating up to 3 preferred primary schools they wish their child to attend. Forms are available in the November before the relevant school year starting in September, alternatively you can apply online using Online School Admissions.

You can also download a form from the right of this page.

This form should be returned to the head teacher of your preferred school by Friday 16 February 2007. Forms received after this date will be dealt with after those received on time.

Children now start full-time education in the school year, they turn five, this has recently changed with the adoption of the new Common Admissions Policy

Common Application forms can be obtained from nurseries or playgroups or from a preferred primary school, or from the right of this page.

We advise you to contact your first preference and ask about entry arrangements. We also suggest you visit your local school and any other schools you are considering.

Most York parents prefer their children to attend their local catchment area primary school. Our policy encourages 'local schools for local children'.

Admissions to voluntary aided schools

• Voluntary aided schools are usually church or denominational schools and not fully maintained by us.
• These schools make their own decisions about admissions.
• Each one also has their own appeals procedure.
• If you wish your child to go to this type of school, you should contact the school directly.

You can check which schools are voluntary aided and get contact details on the primary schools page.

Transferring from one York primary school to another

If you are considering changing schools contact your child's current headteacher to discuss your reasons. If it is because your child is having problems at school the headteacher will work with you to try and solve these before a transfer is considered.

We can consider a transfer of schools if places are available, if the school you wish to move to is already full you may still appeal.

Schools admissions for children living outside the City of York

If you live outside the City of York boundary and wish your child to be admitted to a York school, or if you are about to move to the city you should contact us for advice.