Children across Hertfordshire have been allocated their primary school places for 2023 today, with 89 per cent heading to their preferred choice.

13,491 applications for reception places were made for children across Hertfordshire, and 12,018 have been allocated a place at their most preferred choice.

A further 1,207 children have been allocated one of their other preferred schools, meaning more than 98 per cent will be going to one of their preferred options.

More children have been allocated a place at a preferred option than in 2022, when 87 per cent of children were allocated their most preferred option, and 97 per cent were allocated one of their preferred options.

With applications to junior and middle schools also being announced, 16,170 children across the county will be informed of their school place today, April 17.

Parents and carers who have confirmed their email address will be sent their allocations this afternoon, and allocation information will then be made available online at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/primaryoptions. Letters will be sent to parents and carers who applied on paper.

Simon Newland, director of education at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “Giving every child the best possible start in life by securing a place at a good school is all part of our vision to ensure healthy and fulfilling lives for our residents.

“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 have not been 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.

School places must be accepted by May 1, which is also the last date to 'opt out' of continuing interest. Parents and carers who made applications online will be able to accept their offers online.

Those wishing to submit an appeal must do so by 4pm on May 16.