Majority of children get their first choice of primary school

Along with the rest of the country, Lincolnshire has experienced high numbers of families wanting their children to start school in September. There are nearly 7,700 children wanting a school place this year.

Of the offers made to Lincolnshire primary schools, 7,288 (95.02 per cent) children will receive their first preference school. This is an increase on last year (94.30 per cent) despite an increase in the cohort size of around 200 children.

The figure for second preference offers is 277 (3.61 per cent), and 37 (0.48 per cent) for third preference offers. A total of 68 (0.89 per cent) children will be offered a local school that isn’t one of their preferences.

The vast majority of parents/carers can pick up their offer using the online system from today (Monday, April 16) by visiting www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions.

Parents have until May 15, to lodge an appeal if they are unhappy with the offered school. If they return the appeal form by the deadline it will be heard before the end of term - if it is received late it will still be heard, but this may be in September.

Because of appeals and movement on the reserve list, it is normal for the percentage of first preferences to increase by the time children start in September.

Executive Councillor for Children’s Services, Coun Patricia Bradwell, said: “I am delighted to see so many children getting their first school of preference and this should be even better by September.

“It’s always our intention to support as many parents as possible with their preferences.

“Every year the overwhelming majority of parents are successful in gaining admission to the school of their choice.”