Nearly all Cumberland school kids get first choice primary school

Almost 99 per cent of Cumberland’s children starting primary school in September 2025 have been offered a place at their first choice of school.

Cumberland Council’s School Admissions team received 2,473 applications from resident families for starting primary school in 2025 by the closing date. The team have confirmed that of these applications:

• 98.5 per cent received a place at their first preference school

• 99.7 per cent secured a place at one of their top three preferred schools.

Transferring to Junior School (Year 3) in 2025

Of the 568 applications received by the closing date for transferring to junior school in September 2025:

• 99.5 per cent were offered their first preference school

• 99.6 per cent of the applicants who provided more than one preference were allocated one of their chosen schools.

Councillor Elaine Lynch, Lifelong Learning and Development Portfolio Holder for Cumberland Council, said: "I am so pleased that most of our families across Cumberland have secured places at schools they were hoping for. This is thanks to our families and schools who have ensured that applications were received on time – and of course to our School Admissions team who have worked hard to match families with their preferences.

"Starting school is a big milestone, and we want to make sure every child gets the best possible start to their education. I wish them all the very best on this exciting new chapter."