Apply for a reception place

Before you apply

You must read the relevant documents and the parent booklet before you apply.

When to apply

Admissions for reception places close on 15 January each year.

School places are not offered based on how early you apply, so if you submit your application form before the closing date it will be processed on-time. It doesn't matter if it is submitted on the day the application process opens or the last day before the closing date, it will still be processed.

If your child attends a nursery school that's attached to your preferred school, it does not mean you do not have to apply for a reception place - you still need to apply for a school place.

If you live in Cumberland and your child was born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021, they will be due to start school in the Reception year group in September 2025.  You must apply to us for a place.

If you live outside of the Cumberland area

For children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

You have to apply for a school place in a different way. Find out what to do if your child has an educational, health and care (EHC) plan. 

If you submit an application to school admissions and it is found that your child has an EHCP your application will be withdrawn and processed by the SEND Team, if you have any queries, please contact your EHCP coordinator.

Apply for a reception place

You cannot apply over the phone, only through the Citizen Portal or the paper application forms.

You must have three preferences. If you only put down one preference and we are unable to offer a place at that school, then your child will be offered a place at the nearest school with spaces available (this could be a school that is a number of miles from your home address or a faith based school. Read more about choosing our preferences before you apply.

Apply through the Citizen Portal

If you can't apply online

You can either email or post us the application form.

Email the Word version of the form to: school.admissions@cumberland.gov.uk

You can either return it to your child's current school or send it to us:

School Admissions and Appeals
Cumberland Council
PO Box 415
Carlisle
CA1 9GU

When you will receive an outcome

We will email you the outcome of your application on 16 April (or the next working day) if you apply online, or post a letter to you on this date if you apply using a paper form.

If you move house after applying for a school place