Almost 97 per cent of pupils have been offered their first-choice secondary school in the Westmorland and Furness Council area for children starting school this September, figures released today confirm.

Of 2,168 applicants across the county applying for secondary school places in September 2024, 2,099 were allocated their first preference.

99.5 per cent were offered either their first, second or third preference school.

Parents/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.

As a newly established Local Authority, this is the first time that Westmorland and Furness Local Authority has managed the phased admissions process.

Cllr Sue Sanderson, Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said:

“It’s great news that the vast majority of pupils have secured a place at their first- preference school and that young people in Westmorland and Furness are more likely to get a place at their preferred school than most other places in the country.”

“We would like to thank our schools for all their support and for working so closely with families to ensure the local authority received as many on-time applications as possible. I wish all those children who are transferring to secondary school in September 2024 every happiness and success.”

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 Westmorland and Furness School Admissions Team at school.admissions.waf@cumbria.gov.uk if they have any queries and a member of the team will be pleased to assist.

Where applications were received late, these will be processed by 22 March, with parents informed of the outcome as soon as possible after that.