Children preparing to start secondary school this year will find out today where they have been given a place.

Hertfordshire County Council, the education authority, said more than 95 per cent of applicants across the county – 11,860 pupils or 95.65 per cent – have been given one of their “ranked” choices.

More than 10,000 children landed their first choice preference.

Councillor Richard Thake, executive member for education and skills, said: "Moving on to secondary school is an important step and we work extremely hard to make the 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 the county has excellent schools. I do appreciate that some parents may be disappointed with the school they have been allocated, but would encourage them to visit the school and speak to the headteacher before dismissing the offered place. They may be pleasantly surprised by what they see."

The council said school places must be accepted by March 16. The deadline to submit an appeal is 4pm on March 18, 2011.

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