NEARLY 95 per cent of families were offered their first choice secondary school in Cumbria, figures reveal.

Cumbria County Council’s School Admissions Team can confirm that out of 5,292 applicants resident in Cumbria who applied by the closing date, 5,012 (94.76 per cent) were offered a place at their first preference school.

100 per cent of applicants were offered a place at their first, second or third preference school (providing second / third preferences were given).

Cllr Sue Sanderson, 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.  Cumbria is a fantastic place to grow up and an important part of that is ensuring children can attend the schools their parents and carers want them to go to.

“While most will be very pleased with the result of their applications, where places have been refused, applicants have the right of appeal to an independent admission appeal panel.”

Furness Academy will be welcoming its biggest ever year group in September this year, with a record number of secondary school places offered to Year 6 students in the community.

The school was oversubscribed again this year, for the fourth year in a row, leading to what will become the school’s biggest year group.

Simon Laheney, headteacher of Furness Academy and CEO of Furness Education Trust of which Furness Academy is a member said: “School offer day is always an exciting day in our academic calendar, when we look to welcome many young people and their families in our Furness Family.

"We are a school and trust that truly serves their local community and are incredibly pleased that we can offer a record numbers of places to students as our Trust expands.

"For the first time, we have been able to offer school places to students from all three of our Trust primary schools, Yarlside, Parkside and Victoria academies alongside students from all primary schools in our local community.

"The students who have been offered places will be visiting us for transition, summer school events and joining us at an exciting time, with so many opportunities available to them.

Details of how to submit an appeal have been included with the notification letters.

If any applicants have changed their mind since requesting a school place they are advised to contact the school admissions team either via email at school.admissions@cumbria.gov.uk or on 01228 221582.

Parents / carers are also reminded to apply for school transport following the allocation of school paces.

This can be done online at www.cumbria.gov.uk/schooltransport.