Almost nine out of 10 children in Herts allocated first choice primary school for 2020

Of the 14,436 applications for reception places received for Hertfordshire children, 14,079 (97.5%) have been allocated a ranked primary school. Of these, 12,516 (86.7%) were allocated their first ranked school.

Taking into account allocations to junior and middle schools, over 17,000 Hertfordshire families will be informed of their offer of a school place today or tomorrow.

Parents and carers in Hertfordshire who have confirmed their email address will be sent their allocations this afternoon (Thursday 16 April). Allocation information will then be made available online at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/primaryoptions.

Terry Douris, Cabinet Member for Education, Libraries and Localism, said: “For any child, starting primary school is a big and important step in life and we want all children to reach their full potential by having access to a good education.

“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 have provided more than 17,000 additional primary places and have spent £460m so far on creating both primary and secondary school places.

“Most children are allocated one of their ranked schools and we are also working alongside free schools and academies to fund extra places where they are needed most.

“While some may feel a little disappointed with the school they have been allocated, given the current COVID-19 situation, I would urge them to contact the school via email or telephone and speak to the headteacher before dismissing any offered places, contact details of which are available on our website.”

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.

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

School places must be accepted by 30 April 2020. This is also the last date to 'opt out' of continuing interest. The deadline to submit an appeal is 4pm on 22 May 2020. Further information concerning post allocation processes is available at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/primaryoptions.