Great News for York Families: 94% of Pupils Get First Choice of Secondary School

It's that time of year again when families across York have been holding their breath. The wait for secondary school places can feel like the longest part of the year for parents and their children. But for the vast majority, there’s a big reason to celebrate today. News from the City of York Council on 2 March 2026 confirms that a huge 94 per cent of pupils heading to 'big school' this September have been offered a place at their first choice. This is a massive relief for thousands of young people getting ready for the next chapter in their education.

The big reveal: school places are out

The secondary school admission process can be a nervy time. Families spend ages looking at different schools, attending open evenings, and then carefully listing their preference. After all that, the final decision comes down to a single email or letter. On 2 March, parents and carers in York who applied online could finally log in to their parent portal account to get the news. It's the moment of truth. For those who submitted a paper application, a letter has been sent out, which means they will receive confirmation of their child’s allocated school very soon. The important thing is that every family will get a formal confirmation, whether it’s online or through the post. For the 94% who got their first choice, it’s brilliant news and means the planning for the big transition can begin. The journey to secondary school is a significant one, and securing a place at the desired school is the first, massive step.

What the council is saying

The team at the City of York Council understands what a big deal this is for families. It’s not just about a new building; it’s about new friends, new subjects, and new opportunities for young people to grow. The council has been working hard to manage the school admission process to ensure as many pupils as possible get their top preference.

Councillor Bob Webb, who is the Executive Member for Education, Children and Young People at the council, shared his thoughts on the results. He said: “Moving to secondary school is a big step and I’m delighted that the vast majority of young people in York have been able to get a place at their first choice school.”

He also highlighted the support available for children during this period of change. “All our schools are committed to supporting your transition from primary to secondary school. I hope that everyone makes the most of the opportunities on offer at their new school in September.” This is a reassuring message for parents, knowing that schools across the city are prepared to help their children settle in. The transition from a smaller primary school to a large secondary school environment can be a challenge, but with the right support, young people can thrive. It is the first major step into a more independent phase of their education.

What if it wasn't the first choice?

While the news is fantastic for most, what about the small number of pupils who didn't get their first choice? It can be disappointing, for both parents and children who had their hearts set on a particular school. The council has made it clear that anyone who didn’t receive their first preference will also get a written confirmation letter explaining the outcome of their admission application. This letter is an important first step, as it will outline the place they have been offered. It’s important to remember that every school in York provides a high standard of education, and children often find themselves thriving in an environment they hadn't initially considered. The focus is on making sure every child has a place where they can learn and access great opportunities. This confirmation will provide clarity for those families and allow them to start planning for the new school year. The secondary school experience is about more than just one specific institution; it's about the entire education journey for young people.

A little help for September

With a school place secured, the next thing on many parents' minds is the cost of getting everything ready for the new term. New uniforms, PE kits, and school bags can all add up. To help with this, the City of York Council has a scheme to provide assistance with uniform costs. This support is available for some pupils who will be starting in years 7 to 10 this September. To be eligible, pupils must be entitled to receive benefit-based free school meals and be attending a non-academy school. This is a really practical bit of help that can make a real difference to family budgets ahead of the new school year. The support ensures that all pupils can start their new school feeling smart and ready to learn, without their parents facing a financial burden. For more information, parents can visit the council's website. It’s one less thing to worry about during the busy transition period before the first day of school.