Our Admissions

Just reading about the school may not answer all of your questions and there can be no substitute for the experience of a visit to our school, where a warm welcome awaits everyone. 

For all enquiries, please call our reception between 8.30am-3.30pm: 01400 272702

or contact us directly using the form on the contact page

Flexi-Schooling

Flexi-schooling at Leadenham Church of England Primary Academy

Flexi-schooling is an arrangement where a child remains on roll at our school but spends part of the week learning with us and part of the week being educated elsewhere, usually at home. It offers families a more flexible approach to education while still ensuring that children receive a broad and balanced curriculum, have regular social interaction, and are part of our school community.

It is important to understand that flexi-schooling is not a parental right. It is something that must be agreed by the Headteacher on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the needs of the child, the capacity of the school, and the impact on teaching and learning. There is no automatic entitlement, and requests may be declined if they are not in the best interests of the child. Any arrangement that is agreed will be formalised in writing and reviewed regularly.

At Leadenham, our minimum expectation for flexi-schooling is that children attend school for at least three days per week. This ensures they have regular access to high-quality teaching, specialist support, and social interaction with their peers, while also allowing space for family-led learning on the remaining days.

Parents who choose flexi-schooling share responsibility for their child’s education with the school. During the days when a child is not in school, it is the parent’s responsibility to ensure they are receiving a suitable, efficient and full-time education appropriate to their age, ability and needs. Parents should work in partnership with the school to make sure that learning at home complements the curriculum in school. They are also expected to follow the agreed attendance pattern, notify the school of any absences, attend review meetings, and provide evidence of learning taking place at home if requested.

The school’s responsibilities include providing a high-quality education on the agreed in-school days, maintaining curriculum continuity so that school and home learning link together, and monitoring and reporting on the child’s progress. We will also ensure that statutory requirements, such as safeguarding and assessments, are met. If a flexi-schooling arrangement is no longer working in the best interests of the child, the school reserves the right to review or end the agreement.

Flexi-schooling can offer a creative and flexible approach to education when it is carefully planned and based on strong communication between school and home. If you are considering this approach for your child, please contact the Headteacher to discuss your situation in more detail. All requests must be made in writing and will be considered individually.

Flexi-schooling FAQs

What is the difference between flexi-schooling and home education?
Flexi-schooling means your child remains on roll at Leadenham and attends school for part of the week, while being educated at home (or elsewhere) for the rest. You still share responsibility for their education with the school. Home education (also known as elective home education) means you take full responsibility for your child’s education and they are no longer on the school roll.

Is flexi-schooling a legal right?
No. Parents do not have an automatic right to flexi-schooling. Each request is considered individually by the Headteacher, who must be satisfied that the arrangement is in the best interests of the child and can be supported effectively by the school.

How many days must my child attend school?
At Leadenham, the minimum attendance is three days per week. This ensures children continue to receive a broad and balanced education, benefit from specialist teaching, and stay socially connected with their peers.

How do I request a flexi-schooling arrangement?
You should make a written request to the Headteacher, outlining your reasons for seeking flexi-schooling, the days you are proposing, and how you intend to deliver learning at home. We will then arrange a meeting to discuss the request and consider whether the arrangement can be agreed.

Can the school refuse a request?
Yes. Flexi-schooling must be workable and in the best interests of the child. The school may refuse a request if it is not appropriate, if it would negatively impact the child’s education or wellbeing, or if the school does not have the capacity to support it effectively.

What happens if the arrangement isn’t working?
Flexi-schooling agreements are reviewed regularly. If it becomes clear that the arrangement is not supporting your child’s progress or wellbeing, or if the agreed responsibilities are not being met, the school may request changes to the arrangement or bring it to an end. Your child would then be expected to return to full-time schooling.

How is attendance recorded?
On the days your child is in school, they will be marked as present in the usual way. On days when they are learning at home under an agreed flexi-schooling arrangement, a specific attendance code is used to reflect this. These sessions are not classed as absences.

Will my child still take part in tests and assessments?
Yes. Your child will still be expected to participate in statutory assessments, such as the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2 assessments, unless there is a specific exemption. We will work with you to ensure they are prepared for these.

Can the arrangement be changed later?
Yes. Flexi-schooling arrangements are flexible and can be adjusted if the needs of the child change. Any changes must be agreed with the Headteacher and confirmed in writing.

All school admission application forms are now completed through the Lincolnshire County Council.

Please contact our school to arrange a visit and allow us to guide you through the process.

Although the administration is completed through the County Council,

we are only too happy to support our families along the way.

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Lincolnshire County Council's Information About Schools Admissions and How To Apply:

PRIMARY SCHOOL ADMISSIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2025

You should apply for your child to start primary or infant school if they:

• were born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021
• 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

Admission Appeals 

Timetable

National Offer Day - 16 April 2025

Appeals Deadline - 19 May 2025

Appealing for a place at our academy

If you have applied for a place at our academy and not been offered a place you have the right to appeal this decision. 

Details about our PAN are in our Admissions Policy.

Transport to School

If your child is starting primary school or transferring to secondary school in September 2024 they may be eligible for school transport. If you think your child is eligible please apply for transport as soon as you have your offer of a school place.

Applications can be made online at the website below or a telephone application can be made by contacting the Customer Service Centre on 01522 782020.

For more information about the home to school transport policy and online applications please click on the link below.  Queries can be emailed to:  schooltransportapplications@lincolnshire.gov.uk 

• Transport to School

Foreign Nationals

Foreign national children residing in the UK normally have the right to attend schools in England which are:

• state-funded
• independent

To lawfully enter the country to access a school, foreign national children residing outside the UK will typically need either:

• a right of abode
• an immigration status which otherwise permits them to enter the UK to study at a school.

Checking eligibility for a school place

Parents of foreign national children are responsible for checking that their children have a right to study at a school under the UK entry conditions. They should do this before applying for a place.

It is not the role of state-funded schools or local authorities to ask for proof of eligibility before offering a place.

If foreign nationals outside the UK want to enter the UK to study at an independent school with a licensed student sponsor, they should contact the school directly. If it accepts the application, it will send them a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Parents will need a CAS before applying for their child’s visa. They cannot enter to study at schools which are not licensed student sponsors.

Parents can find more information on gov.uk - visas and immigration.

Parents are reminded to ensure their child holds the correct entry visa before making a school application. If a school or the local authority has concerns about a particular child’s immigration status they will refer the case to the Home Office.

Please find our Academy Admissions Policies by clicking on the link below: