Over 90% of Lincolnshire children given first choice of primary school

More than 90% of children have secured a place at their parents’ school of choice in Lincolnshire.

Of the 7,800 children wanting a school place for September, 7,213 (92.4%) will receive their first preference, with 337 (4.3%) being given their second preference offer.

A total of 91 children (1.2%) will have to settle for their third choice, and 162 will be offered a school that they did not list as one of their preferences.

Lincolnshire County Council has said that the county has experienced an increase in the number of requests for the more popular schools this year.

Parents can pick up their offer using the online system from April 18.

Families unhappy with their selection have until May 17 to appeal against the decision.

Appeals returned before the deadline will be heard before the end of term, with those received late likely to be heard in September.

Parents have until 17 May 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.

Councillor Patricia Bradwell, responsible for children’s services, said: “Yet again this year, most children are getting their first school of preference and this should be even better by September.

“It is always our intention to support as many parents as possible with their preference for schools.

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