1/3/2010 - Secondary school applications - another good year for Cumbria

More than 99 per cent of parents in Cumbria have been offered a place for their children at one of their three preferred secondary schools in September this year.

Of the 5,200 parents who requested a place for their child in Year 7, 99.3 per cent were successful.

Last year the national figure was 96.2 per cent.

The number of parents offered their first preference school in Cumbria this year is 92 per cent. This comapres to a figure nationally of 83.2 percent last year.

This year's national statistics will be released on 11 March.

Parents are notified by letter.

County Council leader Jim Buchanan said:

"Once again Cumbria proves to be one of the best places in the country to live in terms of securing a secondary school place of your choice for your child.

This reflects the commitment of Cumbria County Council to placing education as one of its top priorities."

Keith Bates, School Admissions County Manager, Cumbria County Council, said:

"The success rate for applications is testament to the hard work and dedication of the council's admissions team.

The tiny minority of parents not offered their first preference are provided with information about how to lodge an appeal."

ENDS

Media enquiries to Media Officer Paul Bell on 01228 226337