The vast majority of Lincolnshire children have secured a place at their preferred secondary school, with 87% of applicants receiving an offer for their first-choice school.

Of the 8,559 applications submitted for secondary school places this year, 7,441 children have been allocated a place at their top preference. A further 8.3% have been offered a place at their second choice, while 1.3% secured a spot at their third preference. In total, 96.5% of applicants received an offer for one of their preferred schools.

For the 3.5% of children who were not allocated a place at one of their chosen schools, Lincolnshire County Council will ensure they are offered a spot at the nearest available school with places remaining.

Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, Executive Councillor for Children’s Services, expressed her satisfaction with the allocation results, stating, “It is good to see so many families receiving offers at one of their preferred schools again. This figure is likely to be even higher by September.”

She also highlighted the increasing use of the online parent portal, which streamlines the application process. Parents who applied online received their offer via email on 3 March, while those who applied via phone or paper form will receive their letters in the post.

Parents who are unhappy with their school allocation have until midnight on 28 March 2025 to lodge an appeal. Appeals submitted by this deadline will be heard before the end of the summer term, though later appeals may be delayed until the final weeks of term or even into September.

Families requiring school transport can find details in their offer letters or visit the Lincolnshire County Council website. To ensure transport arrangements are in place by September, applications must be submitted by 31 May 2025.

For more information on school admissions, appeals, and transport, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions.