Majority of children get first-choice primary school – but pandemic could have impact on appeals

The vast majority of children have again been offered a place at their top choice primary school this year.

7,042 (94%) children will receive a place at their first choice school. Because of appeals and movement on the reserve list, it is likely that further children will be offered a place at their first choice by the time they start in September.

309 (4%) children have been offered their second choice, and 53 (0.8%) their third choice. A small minority of children, 90 (1.2%), will be offered a place at a local school that isn’t one of their three preferences.

Councillor Mrs Patricia Bradwell, Executive Councillor for Children’s Services, said: “I am delighted to see so many children getting their top choice again this year, and this number should rise further by September. It’s always our intention to support as many parents as possible with their preferences.

“Although the overwhelming majority of parents are successful in gaining admission to the school of their choice, there is a very small number of families who haven’t got the school they wanted for their child. I’d like to reassure these parents that our staff are there to support them. If you do need advice, please get in touch by emailing schooladmissions@lincolnshire.gov.uk . Those without email can call 01522 782030.”

The vast majority of parents/carers will receive an e-mail containing a secure link to their offer letter on 16 April 2020 – go to www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions for further information.

Parents have until noon on 18 May 2020 to lodge an appeal against a schools decision to refuse a place. Parents can still lodge an appeal after this time but their appeal may not be heard with others for the school.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak will impact on the ability of admission authorities (that is, local authorities, academy trusts or school governing bodies, depending on the type of school) to carry out admission appeals in the usual way.

Therefore the Government have proposed making temporary changes to regulations (subject to legislation) to provide more flexibility to ensure families appealing an admission decision this year are supported and are not disadvantaged by the measures in place to protect public health.

This includes the possibility of holding appeals via telephone or video as an alternative to having an appeal held in person.