[C]umbria County Council’s School Admissions team can confirm over 97% of children starting primary school in September 2017 have been awarded their first choice. Over 99% were offered a place at their first, second or third choice, a slight increase on last year’s figures.
Starting school – September 2017
Out of 4,592 applicants resident in Cumbria, who applied by the closing date, 4,466 were offered a place at their first preference school.
97.3% of parents / carers were offered a place at their first preference school, with 99.2% of parents / carers securing an offer at their first, second or third preference (providing second / third preferences were given).
| Sept 2016 entry | Sept 2017 entry | Variation | |
| No. of Cumbrian applications | 4,668 | 4,592 | -76 |
| No of 1st preference refusals | 171 | 117 | -54 |
| % offered 1st preference | 96.3% | 97.3% | +1.0% |
| % offered 1st or 2nd preference | 98.6% | 98.9% | +0.3% |
| % offered 1st , 2nd or 3rd preference | 99% | 99.2% | +0.2% |
Transfer to junior or primary school – September 2017
Out of 987 applicants resident in Cumbria who applied by the closing date, 98.28% were offered their first preference school.
All applicants who followed the recommended process of providing more than one preference were allocated one of their chosen schools.
John Macilwraith, Director of Children’s Services at Cumbria County Council, 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.”
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.
