Over 97% of pupils secure place at their first-choice secondary school

Children competing at the Cumbria School Games

Over 97% of parents and carers have been offered their first-choice secondary school in the Cumberland Council area for children starting secondary school this September.

Nearly all pupils were offered a school of their choice with 100% of families securing an offer at their first, second or third preference school, where these were provided. Those who only stated one preference, who could not be accommodated in their first choice, have been offered an alternative school. 

We remind parents to make full use of all the preferences, only naming one school does not make it more likely you will be allocated this one and can make it more challenging to offer a suitable alternative. 

Of 2946 applicants across Cumberland, 2864 were offered a place at their first preference school.

Cllr Elaine Lynch, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Development, said: “It is great that so many students were offered their preference schools in Cumberland. 

“A huge thanks goes to our schools for their support and all those who have helped to ensure we received as many on time applications as possible. I send my best wishes to all those moving to secondary school in September as they take the next important step in their education.”

Parents and carers whose children have not been offered places at their first preference school are being provided with information about how to lodge an appeal.

Parents and carers have been informed of their allocated school via email or letter, depending on their preference. However, parents and carers are advised to contact Cumberland School Admissions Team at school.admissions@cumberland.gov.uk if they have any queries and a member of the team will be pleased to assist.

Where applications were received late, parents will be informed of the outcome at the beginning of April.

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