Primary schools in Watford are oversubscribed and quickly reaching bursting point, new figures reveal.

A report published by Hertfordshire County Council shows every reception class bar one has already been filled for September's intake.

The figures, seen exclusively by The Watford Observer, show all 15 primary schools in the borough received more applications than places this year.

At Nascot Wood Junior School 311 parents applied for just 60 places.

At Cassiobury Infant and Nursery School, another heavily oversubscribed school, 263 applications were received for just 60 places.

The report also reveals 64 disappointed pre-school children in the town face lengthy journeys to class after failing to get a place at one of their three chosen schools.

The county council has blamed the borough's oversubscribed schools on the number of new housing developments in Watford.

However, with the town having to meet strict Government targets of building 5,200 new homes by 2021, calls have been made to urgently look at the number of primary schools places.

Susan Gaszczak, a Liberal Democrat county council candidate and herself a Watford parent, said: “We have known for some time that there was little room for movement in Watford's reception classes.

“The council seems unable to follow the birth rate and plan ahead for children starting school.

“There are always more popular schools but every school in Watford had more applications than places.”

Nigel Bell, a Labour county councillor for West Watford, added: "The county council should have seen this coming and planned for this situation - the Conservative administration should have taken measures when they first saw the figures.

"They can't claim surprise when they have sophisticated computer programmes and experts to study birth details, population growth and general trends in parent preferences."

Pam Dajda, speaking on behalf of the county council, said officers were exploring options to improve the situation, including expanding current schools or even building new ones.

She said: “There has been a significant amount of housing development in the Watford area, putting pressure on primary school places in the town.

“Officers are investigating ways we can provide more school places in the future.”

Across the county, 600 children have missed out on places at one of their three preferred primary schools.

The county council has said 95 per cent of the 12,200 plus applications have been allocated a place at one of their three ranked schools.

That represents a small increase on last year and, the council contends, is likely to improve further as parents continue to navigate the application process.

However, political opponents have criticised the Tory-run administration, describing the number of families left in limbo as “appalling”.

Aislinn Lee, a Liberal Democrat councillor, said: “Nearly 600 families are now wondering where their pre-school child is going to start their school life, often in a school they have not chosen that is too far from home.

“The county council is reviewing this, but this year's figures show that this must be done urgently and in areas like Watford new schools must be delivered.”

Keith Emsall, the councillor responsible for education, said he was pleased the majority of families had been given one of their schools – although 581 out of more than 12,000 across Hertfordshire did not get one of their preferred places.

He said: “We constantly strive to improve the admissions system so I am pleased that such a high percentage of families have gained a place at one of their ranked schools.”

Parents have until Thursday to either accept or reject their offer of a school place.

Are you unhappy with the place your child has been offered? If so please tell us your story by leaving a comment below or phone one of our reporters on 01923 216245.