Admission to primary or secondary school : Cumbria County Council

Welcome to the school admissions website. A range of advice is provided for parents. You can also apply for a school place online. If you wish to write, telephone or email contact details are as follows:

Admissions and Student Support
Children's Services Directorate
5 Portland Square
CARLISLE
Cumbria
CA1 1PU

Tel: (01228) 226930, 221159, 226999, 221171, 226889 or 221198
Email: spt@cumbriacc.gov.uk

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like advice on anything to do with your child[ren]'s admission to school.

The Choice Advice Service and School Choice Adviser

For some parents/carers the school system can be confusing and they may need help to decide which school they would like to apply for.

The Choice Advice Service aims to support those families who need help and advice in choosing the school for their child that best suits their needs.

If you have any difficulty filling in the form, or require help in choosing a school, the School Choice Adviser will be able to help you.

School Choice Adviser
Children's Services
5 Portland Square
Carlisle
Cumbria
CA1 1PU

Tel: 01228 226826
Email: choice.adviser@cumbriacc.gov.uk

When do children in Cumbria start school and transfer to the next stage of their education?

Children in Cumbria can begin their full-time primary education by entering a Reception class the September following their fourth birthday.

Children entering Reception at a primary school can stay there until they are eleven. Children attending an infant school, transfer to a junior or primary school at the age of seven.

Children transfer to secondary school the September following their eleventh birthday.

Information is also provided on this website for parents who need to apply for a school place at other times.

When does the application process start each year and when are the closing dates?

Secondary transfer - information about this is available early in the September prior to transfer. The closing date for applications each year is the Friday before the October half-term break.

Junior transfer - information about this is available mid September in the year prior to transfer. The closing date for applications is very early in November the year before transfer.

Starting school - information about this is available mid October in the year before a child can start school. The closing date for Reception applications is the first working day in December.

These closing dates are very important. Don't let your child miss out by applying late.

How do I find out about schools in Cumbria?

To find out about schools in Cumbria please use the following link: Schools in Cumbria

What do I do if I want to apply for a school place in Cumbria?

Please use the links below to find the information you require: