A popular Cumbrian secondary school believes it could have the answer for parents currently applying for places for their children to start next September.

A flurry of year six open evenings and events have already been taking place in secondary schools around the county to help people decide where they would like their 11-year-old children to go.

Cockermouth School is the latest to do so, hosting its event tomorrow from 5.30pm until 9pm.

Keswick School has issued its own 'parents' guide to admissions' and believes its standing as a state boarding school can be an alternative option.

The school's guide states: "Choosing the right secondary school can be a daunting prospect.

"Getting it right is essential. Whether it’s year 7, the sixth form or any age in-between, the school a student attends makes a big difference.

"Schools offer varied opportunities; some more vocational others more academic. However, it’s the school culture that can determine whether a child will flourish and succeed."

Keswick School, judged outstanding by regulator Ofsted, is oversubscribed.

"Inevitably this means disappointment for many families who apply for day places. Even with the current expansion programme and the building of a new £1 million six classroom teaching block the number of places available will not meet demand," the school guide said.

It adds: "However, an often overlooked secret is that Keswick School is also one of just 36 state boarding schools in the UK.

"State boarding schools offer boarding at a fraction of the cost of an independent school."

Boarding admissions are separate from day admissions. Applications can be received at any point during the year.

As a result, Keswick School says it has already offered several year 7 places for September 2018.

The school's leaders say that living away from home can help develop a child and offers extra-curricular opportunities its day student will not experience.

Families of current year six pupils, aged 10 and 11, have until October 31 to submit applications to Cumbria County Council for year 7 places.

Up to three preferences can be put on their forms.

They will not be informed of which school their child has been awarded a place at until March 1, 2018 - National Offer Day.

Parents will then be given the opportunity to appeal if they are unhappy with the place they have been offered.