In Year School Admissions

What are In-Year Admissions?

In‑year admissions are for children who need a school place during the school year, not at the usual time of starting Reception in September.

You may need an in‑year place if:

  • you are moving house
  • you are relocating to the UK from overseas
  • you want to move your child from their current school for any other reason

We strongly encourage families to plan for their child to start at the beginning of the academic year in September, wherever possible.

This helps children settle quickly, build friendships, and fully access the curriculum from the start.

Please visit our main Admissions page for First Admissions, i.e. for children starting school for the first time (Reception year).

When You Can Apply

You can apply for an in-year school place for your child at any time during the school year.

How to Apply

Applications can be made on the Lincolnshire County Council website.

Follow the instructions on their website to access the Parent Portal and submit an application:

www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/school-admissions/apply-move-school

You can also call Lincolnshire County Council on 01522 782030 (open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday) or email schooladmissions@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Our school office is happy to guide families through this process and answer any questions.

If you are applying for a place because of your faith, you must also fill in a Supplementary Information Form. Please return this form to the school office.

Information for Families Moving to the UK from Overseas

We warmly welcome enquiries from families relocating to the UK from overseas and are proud to offer a caring, inclusive, and high-quality education for all children.

Academic Year Dates

In England, the school academic year:

  • Begins at the start of September
  • Ends in mid-July

It is important for children to start school in September wherever they can. This helps children settle more easily. They can make friends from the start and take part in the full curriculum with their new class.

Important Information About School Places and Funding

Schools in England receive funding based on a national school census that takes place in October.

This census determines the funding allocated to the school for the entire academic year, based on the number of pupils on roll on that day.

  • If a child starts before the October census, the school receives funding for that child for the full academic year.
  • If a child starts after the October census, funding for that place is not received until the following academic year.

For this reason, we strongly advise families to secure places and begin attendance as early as possible in September.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When does the school academic year start and end?

The school academic year in England starts in early September and ends in mid-July. Children usually begin school at the start of the academic year in September.

When is the best time for my child to start school?

We strongly recommend that children start at the beginning of the academic year in September wherever possible. This allows children to settle more easily, form friendships, and access the full curriculum.

Why is starting before October important?

All schools in England complete a national school census in October, which determines the funding the school receives for the year.

  • If your child is on roll before the October census, the school receives funding for that child.
  • If your child starts after the October census, funding is not received until the following academic year.

This can affect the resources available to support your child, which is why early admission is encouraged.

What age do children start school?

Children usually start Reception in the September following their 4th birthday. Reception is the first year of compulsory education and focuses on early learning and development.

How are year groups decided?

Children are placed into year groups based on their date of birth, using the national cut-off period of 1 September to 31 August.

  • Reception to Year 2 is called Key Stage 1 (KS1). Children in KS1 focus on developing core literacy and numeracy skills, as well as social and personal development.
  • Year 3 to Year 6 is called Key Stage 2 (KS2). Children in KS2 continue to build on core subjects, with more depth in maths, English, science, and foundation subjects such as history, geography, and the arts.

Can my child be placed in a different year group based on previous schooling?

In England, children are normally taught within their chronological age group, regardless of previous schooling overseas. Requests for education outside the normal age group are considered only in exceptional circumstances and in line with local authority guidance.

Do you offer breakfast and after-school care?

Yes. We offer Breakfast Club and After School Club to support working families.

Children of NHS staff are guaranteed a place in both Breakfast Club and After School Club, subject to registration requirements.

What support is available for children new to the UK?

We are experienced in welcoming children from overseas and supporting those who are new to English or unfamiliar with the UK education system. We work closely with families to help children settle socially and academically.

How do I apply for a school place?

Applications can be made on the Lincolnshire County Council website.

Our school office is happy to guide families through this process and answer any questions.

Who should I contact if I need more information?

If you have any questions or would like support with admissions, please contact the school office, who will be happy to help.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our school community.