As students across Borehamwood go back to school this week, some parents are already planning ahead for next September.

Crisp new uniforms got their first outing today as a number of pupils returned to school today after the long six-week summer holidays.

Despite the new school year having only just started, the application process for secondary schools is open from this week and Hertfordshire County Council is urging parents to begin the application process soon.

Although the three secondary schools in Borehamwood, which include the Elstree UTC, Hertswood Acdemy and Yavneh College, do not fall under county council control, a number of secondary school-age pupils have moved out of the town to continue their education.

Chris Hayward, responsible for education, said: “We have a good track record of getting children a place at one of the preferred schools and we understand this is really important to parents and carers.

“Last year nearly 95 per cent of children in Hertfordshire were allocated one of their four ranked secondary or upper schools."

Leaflets explaining the secondary and upper process will be distributed to families through their child’s primary or middle school at the beginning of September.

Applications will close on October 3 and parents are advised to check www.hertsdirect.org/admissions for any updates to the published admission arrangements.