Secondary School allocations in Harpenden and across Herts

Hertfordshire County Council have announced that over 95 per cent of Hertfordshire children have been allocated a place at one of their three preferred secondary schools this week.

The success rate is a slight increase on 2010’s figures and in all 81 per cent of children gained their first choice of school.

And according to a report in the Herts Advertiser, published today, 3 March, the stats in Harpenden are even rosier, with 90 per cent of children getting in to their preferred choice of school and only two children failing to get any of their three choices.

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."

A majority of parents found out about the allocation via email on Tuesday evening, 1 March. But whilst a majority of Harpenden parents received good news, The Herts Advertiser report that 1 in 4 families in neighbouring St Albans found out that they didn’t get their first choice of school.

Applicants who have not been offered their first preference school have automatically been placed on the continuing interest list for any schools named higher on the application form than the school offered. But in a significant change from previous years, parents should note that all new applications for continuing interest must be made to their home local authority, i.e. to Hertfordshire County Council for all families living in Hertfordshire.

Further detailed information can be found in the 'Secondary - What Can You Do Now?' leaflet, which is available on the Council's website. Parents can also access other useful information, such as school allocation summary reports, through the website.

School places must be accepted by 16 March. 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 18 March.

Did you get your first choice of school? Or are you disappointed with your allocation? Share your experience below: