Year 5 Early Offer Pathway
An earlier route to Year 7 at Lingfield
Some families feel ready to choose Senior School in Year 5. Our Year 5 Early Offer Pathway gives those families the opportunity to apply earlier and, if successful, secure their child's Year 7 place before the standard admissions cycle.
Once an offer has been made, we will begin helping children to get to know Lingfield through our Year 5 Experience day and carefully planned opportunities before they join us.
Is the Year 5 Early Offer Pathway right for your family?
The pathway is intended for families who already consider Lingfield a preferred choice and are ready to make their Senior School decision in Year 5.
Choosing the earlier pathway can offer:
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Greater certainty Securing a Year 7 place during Year 5 can give families reassurance about the next stage of their child’s education and allow them to look ahead with confidence. |
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A longer, smoother transition With their place secured, children have more time to become familiar with Lingfield, so it feels like a natural next step rather than a new beginning. |
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An earlier connection with the Lingfield community Through our Year 5 Experience Day and selected opportunities, children meet staff, pupils and other future classmates and develop a real sense of belonging. |
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More time to enjoy Year 6 Children can focus on enjoying their final year of primary or prep school while looking forward to what comes next.
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The pathway may particularly suit families who have already visited Lingfield and can see their child thriving here. We recommend experiencing the School for yourself before deciding whether the earlier route feels right for your family.
Not ready to decide yet? There is no need to make your decision in Year 5. Families who would prefer more time to visit, explore their options and make their Senior School choice can continue through our standard Year 7 admissions route during Year 6. Both pathways lead to the same Year 7 experience at Lingfield.
How the pathway works?
1. Visit Lingfield
We recommend visiting Lingfield before registering for the pathway.
A Senior School in Action Morning, Open Morning or personal tour will give you the opportunity to experience the School, meet members of our community and discuss whether the Early Offer Pathway is the right route for your child.
2. Register during Year 5
Complete your registration by Friday 29 January 2027 for September 2028 entry.
This enters your child into the Year 5 Early Offer process for Year 7 entry in September 2028.
3. Attend the Year 5 Assessment Morning
Once registered, your child will be invited to our Year 5 Assessment Morning on Friday 12 February 2027.
The morning is designed specifically for children in Year 5, with gentle, age-appropriate assessments in English, Mathematics and Reasoning. These are based on the National Curriculum and reflect the learning expected at this stage, so no additional preparation or tutoring is required.
Just as importantly, we want children to enjoy their time with us. The morning will be warm, friendly and welcoming, giving them the opportunity to feel comfortable, show us what they can do and begin building connections with our staff and other prospective pupils.
As part of the admissions process, we will also contact your child’s current school to request a reference, which will help us build a broader picture of each child.
All candidates are required to attend the Assessment Morning. If your child is unable to attend on this date, our Admissions Team will be happy to discuss applying through our standard Year 6 admissions route.
4. Receive the decision
Early Offer decisions will be shared with families on Friday 5 March 2027.
Successful applicants will receive a formal offer of a Year 7 place, together with everything you need to accept and secure your child’s place.
Families will have until Friday 14 May 2027 to accept their offer. Once accepted, your child can begin looking ahead to life at Lingfield and the opportunities to get to know the School before they join us.
5. Experience Lingfield
Children who receive an Early Offer will be invited to our Year 5 Experience Day, alongside other invited pupils.
The day gives pupils the opportunity to:
- take part in Senior School lessons and activities;
- meet Lingfield teachers and current pupils;
- explore the School and its facilities;
- meet other children who may join them in Year 7;
- begin to feel confident about the move to Senior School.
For an Early Offer pupil, the Experience Day is more than an opportunity to explore Lingfield. It marks the beginning of their transition into the School.
6. Stay connected
After accepting an offer, families can look forward to further opportunities to get to know Lingfield ahead of Year 7.
Key dates for September 2028 entry
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration deadline | Friday 29 January 2027 |
| Year 5 Assessment Morning | Friday 12 February 2027 |
| Early Offer decisions issued | Friday 5 March 2027 |
| Year 5 Experience Day | Tuesday 4 May 2027 |
| Acceptance deadline | Friday 14 May 2027 |
| Entry into Year 7 | September 2028 |
More than an offer.
The beginning of their Lingfield journey.
Our Year 5 Experience Day gives children an exciting introduction to life at Lingfield Senior School, with a varied day of lessons and activities. From science and sport to creative challenges, they can discover new interests, meet staff and pupils, and begin to feel part of our community.
It is one of the ways we help children approach the move to Senior School with confidence and excitement.
Academic potential can be recognised early too.
Pupils who demonstrate exceptional academic potential through the Year 5 Early Offer process may also be considered for an Academic Scholarship.
Pupils who secure a place through the pathway remain eligible to apply for Art, Drama, Music and Sport Scholarships during the normal Year 7 scholarship application window.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply?
Families seeking a Year 7 place at Lingfield for September 2028 can apply while their child is in Year 5.
How do we secure the place?
If your child receives an offer, follow the acceptance instructions by Friday 14 May 2027.
What does the assessment include?
Children take part in an age-appropriate assessment. Our Admissions Team can explain the arrangements in advance.
Can my child be considered for a Scholarship?
Academic potential may be recognised through the Early Offer process. Other scholarship applications follow the usual Year 7 timetable.
What if my child cannot attend?
Please contact the Admissions Team as early as possible to discuss the available arrangements.
Do we have to use the Early Offer Pathway?
No. Families can apply through the standard Year 7 admissions route during Year 6.
Begin your Lingfield journey
The best place to start is by visiting Lingfield and speaking to our Admissions Team. We can help you explore the School, understand both Year 7 admissions routes and decide which timescale feels right for your child and family.
01342 838153 | admissions@lingfieldcollege.co.uk