More children from Hertfordshire than ever before have been allocated a place at one of their preferred secondary or upper schools.

Despite an increase of more than 400 applications compared to last year – a 3.5 per cent increase – more children have been allocated a place at one of their ranked schools.

Of the 13,654 Hertfordshire children who applied this year, 12,892 have a place at a preferred school, and 10,737 children gained a place at their first ranked school.

Most parents and carers in Hertfordshire will be able to find out the place their child has been allocated this afternoon (Wednesday, March 1).

County councillor David Williams, responsible for enterprise, education and skills, said: "Moving on to secondary or upper school is an important step and we work extremely hard to make the applications and allocation process smooth and straightforward. We want to ensure that as many children as possible get a place at one of their ranked schools.

“We all want the best possible education for children in Hertfordshire, and we know that the county has excellent schools that perform well above the national average.

“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.”

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 March 15. This is also the last date to opt out of continuing interest for community and voluntary controlled schools.

The deadline to submit an appeal is 4pm on March 31.