Kirklees Together

It’s National Offer Day (1 March) for secondary school places around the country and 97.8 percent of families in Kirklees have been successfully matched to one of their top three preferred schools. Of those, a huge 90.9 percent received a place at their first preference – the highest number in 10 years.

A total of 5592 applications were received this year from parents whose children will be moving up to secondary school to start Year 7 in September 2024, with all of those making an on-time application receiving a place.

The figures show that 5081 local families (90.9 per cent of applicants) secured a place at their first preference school, with 316 (5.7 per cent) and 74 (1.3 per cent) gaining places at their second and third preferences respectively.

Councillor Viv Kendrick, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said:

“It’s wonderful news that 97.8 percent of local families with children heading off to secondary school in September have been matched with one of their preferred choices. I’m especially pleased to hear the number of families being offered a first preference has increased to a ten year high of 90.9 percent.

“Whilst moving up to secondary school is a special time for families, it can feel like a big step for children, so the smooth transition to a preferred placement goes a long way to helping them settle quickly into the new learning environment.

“Our schools are at the very heart of the communities they serve. They do a great job in supporting children to have the best start in life and encourage students to achieve their full potential. I am particularly grateful to those schools offering additional places to help ensure we have sufficient places while the Year 7 population level remains high.

“I’d like to thank the school admissions team and everyone else involved who’ve been working hard behind the scenes in helping make this happen.

“I’d also like to wish all students the very best as they begin their secondary school journey this September.”

You can find out your secondary school place and what to do next.

Our Kirklees Futures

Helping learners to access a high-performing education system, where they can find great opportunities and achieve their full potential, is a key part of ‘Our Kirklees Futures’ – our vision for learning across the district.

Our Kirklees Futures brings together the full range of education providers, plus wider partners, with the shared aim that learners of all ages will reach their full potential and be equipped with vital skills for life.

For more information visit Our Kirklees Futures web page.