Applying to primary or junior schools
You should apply for your child to start primary or infant school if they:
- were born between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020
- are in year 2 at an infant school and need a place in year 3 at a junior or primary school
- are in year 2 at a primary school and require a place in year 3 at a junior school
Primary schools are for children aged 4 to 11 years old. Infant schools are for children aged 4 to 7 years old.
Junior schools are for children aged 7 to 11 years old.
Children can start school at any time until they reach the compulsory school age, which is the term after the child turns 5.
You can request to delay your child’s start date until later in the academic year but not after they reach the compulsory school age.
You can also request that your child takes up their school place part-time until they reach the compulsory school age.
You can learn more about delaying starting school in our going to school in Lincolnshire guide, which also includes further general information on applying for a primary or junior school place.
You should apply for your child to start junior school if they:
- are in year 2 at an infant school
- are in year 2 at a primary school and want a place in year 3 at a junior school
If your child is in year 2 at an infant school and you want to apply for them to start in year 3 at a primary school, you can apply after the national offer day by calling us on 01522 782030.
Application dates
| Key dates | Details |
|---|---|
| 15 November 2023 | Admissions open |
| 15 January 2024 | Admissions close (national closing date) |
| 9 February 2024 | Lincolnshire final closing date for late applications and changes (your application may not be accepted if you apply to schools outside of Lincolnshire). |
| 17 April 2024 | Admissions reopen for late applications or changes |
| 17 May 2024 | Admissions close |
| after 3 June 2024 | Main allocation process ends and all further applications are dealt with on at least a weekly basis |
When you apply:
- you can select up to three schools, which you should put in order of your preference
- it is recommended to check if your child is eligible for free school transport before you apply, as this might determine which schools you choose to apply for
- you can amend your application at any time before the final closing date. If you miss the first closing date, you must wait until admission reopens. Please note this might not apply if you apply to a school outside of Lincolnshire. If this is the case, please check with the relevant authority for the school
- if your child needs a school place in a different year group or wants to move schools at another point during the year, you will need to apply to move schools
Make or amend a school application
If you have applied online and still need to submit your application, you can make any changes to your online application by logging back into your Parent Portal account.
If you have already submitted your application, please email schooladmissions@lincolnshire.gov.uk with the changes you wish to make.
If you want to make changes after receiving an offer of a school place, please refer to the guidance in your offer letter on how to make a revised application.