April 16, 2019 10.14 am This story is over 59 months old

Most county children get first choice primary school

Around 7,500 children want a school place this year
Critics say undiagnosed children could face expulsion. Stock photo

Around 94% of children were offered their first choice of primary school in Lincolnshire this year.

Of the offers made to Lincolnshire primary schools 7,065 (94.17%) children will receive their first choice. This is a minor decrease on last year’s (95.02%).

A further 292 (3.89%) have been offered their second choice and 50 (0.67%) their third choice.

Some 95 children (1.27%) will be offered a local school that isn’t one of their three preferences.

Due to appeals and movement on the reserve list it is usual for the percentage of first choice to increase by the time children start in September.

Lincolnshire has experienced high numbers of families wanting their children to start school in September. There are around 7,500 children wanting a school place this year.

Parents have until May 21 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.

Executive Councillor for Children’s Services, Councillor 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.”