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 currently allows your child to access five two and-a-half hour sessions per week free.  For more information on this see Related Links.

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

For parents who want impartial help and advice with applying for a school place for their child, there is the new Choice Advice Service.  The Choice Adviser can explain in detail how the Admissions system works, what the admissions policies are for different types of schools, and provide information on school OfSTED reports, curriculum, travel details, uniform policy, term dates, and can also help you fill out your preference form.  To find out more about the Choice Advice Service and how to contact the Choice Adviser see Related Links.

For parents of children with special educational needs who need help there is the Wakefield Parent Partnership Service (see Related Links) 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.

Backing Young Britain is a cross-government campaign bringing together business, public sector organisations and the voluntary sector to provide more opportunities for young people once they have left school.  It aims to:

• Get more young people into Apprenticeships
• Give a Young Person a job
• Provide experience of work

So if you are 16 or 17 and unemployed checkout Apprenticeships in Related Links for more information. 

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.