The vast majority of parents and carers in Northumberland have gained their top choice of first or primary school on National Offer Day. 
 

The council received 2,790 applications for children to start school in September 2022, a rise of 173 on last year and all have been offered one of their top three preferences.  
 

First preference of place went to 2,716 (97.33%) of those who applied on time, 63 (2.26%) received their second preference and 11 (0.41%) received their third preference.   
 

Cath McEvoy-Carr, Executive Director of Adults and Children's Services at Northumberland County Council, said: “We are delighted that once again the vast majority of Northumberland parents and carers have received first preference offers.  
 

“This year we have seen a rise in the number of applications with 173 more places required. We work really hard to ensure that there are enough school places available in the catchment schools for children, and this is testament to the hard work being done by the school admissions team.  
 

“We have fantastic schools here in Northumberland and we look forward to welcoming the children in September.”  
 

Northumberland’s school admissions team will assume that parents wish to accept their school place unless they advise otherwise.  Should you wish to refuse a place, please contact the team, giving your child's name, date of birth and reason for refusal, before May 2 2022.  
 

Parents who wish to get in touch to query their offers, or ask questions, can email schooladmissions@northumberland.gov.uk.  Due to the high volume of emails received at this time, it may take up to 10 working days to respond.