A LARGE proportion of children starting primary school in September will be able to attend their first choice school.

Cumbria County Council’s School Admissions team have confirmed 96.8 per cent of children starting primary school in September 2019 have been awarded their first choice of school.

In addition to this, almost 99 per cent of children starting primary school in September 2019 were offered a place at their first, second or third choice schools.

4,586 applications were made in Cumbria by the closing date.

Of those applicants, 4,439 were offered a place at their first preference school.

96.8 per cent of parents and carers were offered a place at their first preference school, with 98.9 per cent of parents and carers securing an offer at their first, second or third preference (providing second/third preferences were given).

Compared with last year, the 96.9 per cent of children getting their first choice is an 0.3 per cent increase on the previous year.

In addition almost 100 per cent of applicants in Cumbria applied for a Year 3 place in September 2019 by the closing date.

Out of the 953 applications, 99.4 per cent 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.

Cllr Sue Sanderson, cabinet member for schools and learning, welcomed the figures and emphasised the importance of children being given their first choice primary school..

She 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 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 by calling 01228 221582.