Over 97 per cent of children in Hertfordshire have been allocated a place at one of their preferred primary schools.

Hundreds of thousands of families across the country are now finding out today (April 16) what primary school their child will attend by autumn.

Of the 13,850 Hertfordshire applications for reception places received, 13,512 have been allocated a ranked primary school.

And of those allocated, over 87 per cent, 12,090 children, were allocated their first choice ranked school.

Taking into account allocations to junior and middle schools, over 16,500 Hertfordshire families will be informed of their offer of a school place today or tomorrow.

Parents and carers who confirmed their email address will be sent their allocations by this afternoon.

Simon Newland, operations director of education at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “Starting Primary school is an important step and we want all children to have access to a good education so they can reach their full potential.

“Given the significant growth in the primary school population over the last decade, we have been committed to ensuring that we have the right number of school places in the right locations. We are also working alongside free schools and academies to attract extra funding for more school places where they are most needed.

“While I appreciate that a small number of parents may be disappointed with the school they have been allocated, I would encourage them to visit the school and speak to the headteacher before dismissing the offered place. They may be pleasantly surprised by what they see.”

All applicants who were not offered their first preference will be automatically placed on the continuing interest list for any Hertfordshire schools named higher on the application form than the school offered.

School places must be accepted by 30 April 2021. This is also the last date to 'opt out' of continuing interest. The deadline to submit an appeal is 4pm on 21 May 2021.

For more allocation information, parents and carers can soon visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/primaryoptions