Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Choice Advice Service is independent of the Admissions Team at Education Leeds. Although we work with them to gain information, we do not influence what school places are offered. School places in Leeds are offered according to the Education Leeds Admissions Policy or the Admissions Policy of a voluntary aided (faith) schools, academy or foundation school.

Yes, we can help you fill out the application forms or appeal forms. We can talk through and write out any supporting statement to help you explain your circumstances and reasons for preferencing or appealing for a school. However, we cannot tell you what to write, or tell you a magic formula of reasons that will guarantee a place at a particular school.

No, we can’t tell you what school to preference. What we can do is provide you with all the information to help you make your preference. We hold an information library on all the high schools in Leeds. We can also tell you whether you would have been offered a place at that school the previous year, to help you know how realistic it is to preference a school.

We can provide you with information on what other school are in your area and if they are a realistic option. In Leeds there are no catchment areas so you have the right to apply for any school in the Local Authority; however this does not mean you will be offered a place. We can give you all the relevant information to make an informed and realistic preference.

If you do not preference your local school, and you are not offered the schools which you are preferenced, you will be offered your nearest school with available space. This could mean your child is travelling further to school than you would wish.

No, due to the independent and impartial nature of the Choice Advice Service we cannot represent you at appeals. The appeals panel are interested in your reasons for wanting a school, and would like to here from you. However, we understand that appeal can be daunting; where possible we offer the support of an Independent Parental Adviser. These are trained volunteers who can speak on your behalf or act as a supportive friend.