If you are a parent, pupil, student, teacher or governor see Schools in Related Links to find information on everything you need to know about education in the Wakefield district including, education at home, extended schools, governors (and how to become one), school meals, school exclusions and more.  Also on this page you can search for information on the nearest schools in your area.

If you have a child and want to know what the process is for school admission contact the Families Information Service who can provide you with an information pack which contains the Primary Guide for Parents which gives details of nursery and pre-school education, how to apply for your child's first school place, a section on special educational needs, and  information on all primary schools. There is also a list of all the voluntary, independent and private settings within the district who are eligible to receive Nursery Education Funding for 3 and 4 year olds which allows your child to access upto 15 hours per week of free early years provision.  For more information on this see Related Links.

If you are applying for a school place for your child and you would like free, impartial advice and assistance to help you get through this sometimes confusing system, the Choice Advice Service is here to help. Choice Advisers can:

• Answer your questions or listen to your concerns
• Give advice on all aspects of the school admissions process
• Provide information about schools in the Wakefield district and neighbouring authorities
• Arrange school visits
• Help you to complete the application form
• Explain your options if the preferred school cannot offer a place – including support and guidance through the appeals process

To find out more about the Choice Advice Service and how you can get in touch with the Choice Adviser, click on Choice Advice Service in the Related Links section.

For parents of children with special educational needs who need help there is the Wakefield Parent Partnership Service (see Services on the left) which offers independent advice, information, support and guidance regarding all issues that affect your child, particularly during admission to school, school placements and in relation to special needs procedures.

School is changing in new and exciting ways that will affect everyone, whatever year your child is in. In Related Downloads the 21st Century Schools leaflet explains what's happening, why it's happening and when you can expect to see a difference in your child's school.

Also in Related Downloads is information for parents and carers of school aged children about the National Curriculum, and particularly English and maths.  Understanding Progress in English: a guide for parents and Understanding Progress in Mathematics: a guide for parents sets out useful information about what children should be able to do at the various stages from level 1 to level 8.

In Wakefield adult education opportunities are made available through the partnership of Wakefield Council with community centres, employers and schools.  To find out what courses are being run in your area click on Adult Education in Related Links.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  Can I take my child(ren) out of school to go on holiday?
A.  Legislation states that schools can authorise up to 10 days leave in term time in Exceptional Circumstances only, and those circumstances have been defined.  Examples of such circumstances would be for parents in the armed forces, or where there has been a critical illness, but NOT because holidays are cheaper in term time.  When parents insist on taking their child(ren) out of school for the purpose of a family holiday the absence is unauthorised and legal action could follow.