Over 5,000 pupils have been offered their first choice of secondary school, Cumbria County Council confirmed.

Out of 5,292 applicants resident in Cumbria who applied by the closing date, 5,012 (94.76 percent) were offered a place at their first preference school.

A full 100 percent of applicants were offered a place at their first, second or third preference school, providing second/third preferences were given.

Cllr Sue Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Schools and Learning, 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.

Parents/carers are also reminded to apply for school transport following the allocation of school paces.

This can be done online at www.cumbria.gov.uk/schooltransport