More than 93 per cent of pupils in Cumbria have been offered their first choice secondary school for this September, figures released today confirm. Parents and carers have been informed.

Of 4,795 applicants across the county applying for secondary school places in September 2017, 93.5 per cent (4,486) were allocated their first preference. Ninety eight per cent were offered their first or second preference and 99.6 per cent of applicants were offered a place at their first, second or third preference school.

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

Councillor Clare Feeney-Johnson, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for schools and learning, said: “It’s great news that the vast majority of pupils have secured a place at their first choice school. This can be a really difficult time for young people. Young people in Cumbria are more likely to get a place at the secondary they want than most other places in the country. That will be a great comfort to the majority of parents here.”

Following the allocation of school places, there may be a small number of pupils who have been offered a place at their preferred school but due to a change in circumstances might have changed their mind since submitting a request for a school place. If anybody is in this position, they should contact the school admissions team on 01228 221582 or email school.admissions@ cumbria.gov.uk

Where applications were received late, these will be processed by March 28, with parents informed of the outcome as soon as possible after that.