Children, parents and carers have been informed of their primary school offer today with over 97.3 per cent offered their first preference in the Cumberland Council area.

The children, who are due to start primary school this September, were nearly all offered their choice of school with over 99.9 per cent of families securing an offer at their first, second or third preference school.

Cllr Elaine Lynch, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Development, said: “This is an exciting time for families and children as they start their education journey in schools.

“I am really pleased that so many families have been offered their preferred school and a huge thanks goes to schools and early years settings for their support to ensure as many on time applications were received as possible.”

Emma Hamer, Assistant Director for SEND, Education and Inclusion, said: “As the primary school places are announced, we know this is a significant moment for families across Cumberland. It marks the beginning of an exciting chapter as children begin their formal education and we wish them well as they prepare to join their new school communities.”

Of 2402 applicants across Cumberland, who applied on time, 2388 were offered a place at their first preference school. 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 on 31 May 2024.