The expansion of two secondary schools in south west Hertfordshire took a step forward yesterday after politicians agreed funding for both schemes.

Hertfordshire County Council's ruling cabinet has approved more than £7.5 million to expand St Clement Danes School, in Chorleywood, and Bushey Meads School, in Bushey by 30 students a year.

The proposed expansions are part of a county-wide effort to create more places aimed at heading a looming secondary admissions shortage.

Following the meeting, Chris Hayward, Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Education and Skills, said: "Our priority is to ensure that there is a school place for every child that wants one.

"We aim to commission the right number of school places for children and young people in the right locations to ensure local children can continue to attend a local school in a community close to where they live.

"We are prioritising our secondary expansion programme based on areas of most urgent need."