Nearly 90 percent of Hertfordshire children have been allocated a place at their preferred primary school.

Of the 13,198 applications for reception places received for Hertfordshire children, 11,763 have been allocated their first ranked primary school. Over 98 per cent (12,973) were allocated one of their preferred schools.

Including allocations to junior and middle schools, 15,798 Hertfordshire children will be informed of their offer of their school place today.

Simon Newland, Director of Education at Hertfordshire County Council, said: "We want every child in Hertfordshire to be able to achieve their full potential, and with over 90% of Hertfordshire schools rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, we're confident that we're giving young people the best start in life.

"We work hard to make the applications and allocation process smooth and straightforward, and to ensure that as many children as possible get a place at one of their preferred schools.

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

Any new applications for continuing interest must be made to Hertfordshire County Council for families living in Hertfordshire.

Parents and carers in Hertfordshire who have confirmed their email address will be sent their allocations today (Tuesday 16 April).

Allocation information will then be made available online at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/primaryoptions

School places must be accepted by May 1, 2024. This is also the last date to 'opt out' of continuing interest.

The deadline to submit an appeal is 4pm on May 22, 2024.