Cumberland Council has confirmed that 99% of parents and carers have been offered a place at one of their preferred secondary schools for children starting in September 2026.
Of the 2,853 applicants living in Cumberland who applied by the deadline, 2,724 have secured a place at their first preference school – meaning, more than 95% have been offered their first-choice secondary school. Where families used all three preferences, 99% received an offer at their first, second or third choice.
Those who only listed one preference but could not be accommodated at that school have been offered an alternative place. The council continues to remind families of the importance of using all three preferences on the school application, as naming only one school does not increase the likelihood of securing it and may limit the ability to allocate a suitable alternative.
Cllr Elaine Lynch, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Development, said:
“It is great to see that so many young people in Cumberland have been offered a place at one of their preferred schools.
“A huge thanks goes to our schools, and to all those who supported families to submit applications on time. My best wishes go to every student as they prepare to take this important next step in their education.”
Families have been notified of their allocated school by email or letter, depending on their stated preference. Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact the Cumberland School Admissions Team at [email protected], where a member of the team will be happy to help.
Where applications were submitted late, parents and carers will be informed of the outcome at the beginning of April.
