When starting to prepare your application for a school place (usually one year before your child is due to start primary or secondary school for the first time), we recommend that parent/carers take the opportunity to view schools before expressing their preferences.
In your application for primary and secondary schools, you can express up to 5 preferences, and we recommend that you consider several schools, including your 'catchment' school, when planning school visits and making your final application.
Please note that there is no co-ordinated application process for Year 12 and that applications should be made directly to the preferred school or college.
If you require any assistance with making a school application, you may wish to make an appointment to see a member of the team or attend one of our drop-in sessions:
SEND Central drop-in
19 October 2026, 1.00pm to 2.00pm
9 November 2026, 1.00pm to 2.00pm
15th January 2027, 1.00pm to 2.00pm
West Offices drop-in
21 October 2026, 10.00am to midday
13th January 2027 10.00am to midday
If you wish to make an appointment, please email: education@york.gov.uk with your query and convenient dates.