Types of schools
Schools have different bodies that make decisions about a school's policy and admitting pupils. This will depend on their type of school. The responsible body is known as the admissions authority.
Community and controlled schools
We are the admission authority for these schools. We make decisions about the policy used for school admissions. These schools use the LCC admissions policies.
Academy schools
Academies receive funding directly from the government and are usually run by an academy trust. They have more control over how they do things than community schools, which are guided by the local authority. Ofsted inspects academies. They must follow the same rules on admissions, special educational needs and exclusions as other state schools. Students sit the same exams. Academies can set their own admissions policies and term dates.
Voluntary aided schools and foundation schools
We, as the local authority, fund foundation and voluntary schools. They have more freedom to change the way they do things. Sometimes they are supported by representatives from religious groups. The admissions authority for these schools is usually the school's governing body.
Free schools
These are schools set up by non-profit agencies and set their own policies. They operate in a similar way to an academy school regarding school admissions.
Comprehensive, secondary modern and grammar schools
Schools belong to one of these four categories. Comprehensive and secondary modern schools are all ability schools. Some schools may select up to 10% of their pupils based on aptitude for their specialist subject. For entry into a grammar school, your child must meet the required standard in the 11+ selection tests. Your child must meet the required standard in the selection tests for entry into the grammar stream. In Lincolnshire, this is the 11+ exam.
Grammar schools
These are secondary schools that require children to pass a test to be admitted. There are no primary schools that are grammar schools in Lincolnshire.
You should contact the grammar school or visit the Lincolnshire grammar schools' website to find out about the 11+ testing arrangements.
When your child takes the 11+ tests, you must let the school know if they:
- have any special educational needs
- speak English as a second language
- are feeling unwell
If your child reaches the required standard in the 11+, they will not automatically be offered a place. You must still name the grammar school on your application. Your application will be considered alongside other applicants in accordance with the school's oversubscription criteria.
Transferring from nursery schools
Transfer to reception will not happen automatically. You will need to apply for a place in reception. There is no guarantee that your child will be offered a place at the school where your child attends nursery.
Most schools do not consider attendance at pre-reception, nursery or attached playgroup when allocating places. If they do, it will be listed as an oversubscription criterion in their admissions policy.