The process for applying to primary, junior and middle schools across Hertfordshire including Hitchin opens today, Tuesday (November 1).

If your child is due to start primary school or move on to a junior or middle school next year, make sure you apply for a place in good time. 

The easiest way to apply for a school place for September 2023 is to visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions and complete the online application form.

Online applications can be amended at any time before the closing date, and you can access your school offer before allocation letters are received and accept your school allocation online. 

Last year, 99 per cent of parents applied this way and found the system quick, easy and secure.

Cllr Terry Douris, Cabinet Member for Education, Libraries and Lifelong Learning, said: "We want every child in the county to be able to achieve their full potential, and Hertfordshire' schools provide an excellent education to thousands of pupils.

"We have a good track record of getting children a place at one of their preferred schools and we understand this is really important to parents and carers. Last year nearly 98 percent of children in Hertfordshire were allocated one of their four ranked primary, junior or middle schools.

"Unfortunately, we're not always able to completely satisfy parental preference, despite working very hard to achieve this. I would urge parents and carers to carefully consider the schools they rank, to make realistic preferences and to visit local schools before applying."

A leaflet explaining how to apply will be distributed to Hertfordshire families at the beginning of November. They will be posted directly to families with children of reception age and distributed by schools to children in year 2 in infant schools and year 4 in first schools.

Before making an application, parents and carers are strongly advised to read the information on the website thoroughly and where possible, attend school open events to help them make their preferences. Parents/carers should contact schools directly to find out more. 

The closing date for Under 11s applications is Sunday, January 15 2023 and it is vital that parents make their applications on time. 

Parents without internet access can request a paper application form that must be returned direct to the Admissions and Transport team. Application forms cannot be returned to any Hertfordshire school. 

The on-time application process for admission into secondary, upper, studio schools and university technical colleges, to start in September 2023 has now closed. Parents and carers can continue to make late applications for this process at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions. The last date to make an application to be considered for allocation day is 30 January 2023. 

Parents are advised to check www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions for any updates to the published admission arrangements or timescales and for advice on where to find extra help about applying for places. Details about new schools and additional places will also be published on the website.