Applications for primary, junior and middle school places opened in Hertfordshire this week.

Parents are now able to submit applications for the term starting next September.

The closing date for applications is January 15 and this year parents can apply to up to four schools on their forms, one more than previously.

Frances Button, Hertfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for education and skills, said: "I understand parents and carers want their children to attend the school they most prefer.

“Hertfordshire has a good track record and last year more than 91 per cent of families were allocated places at one of their three ranked primary schools.

"Hertfordshire County Council is not always able to completely satisfy parental preference, despite working very hard to achieve this. I would therefore urge parents to consider very carefully the preferences they make and to visit local schools before applying."

More information can be found at www.hertsdirect.org/admissions.