School allocation places leave some in Hertsmere and Potters Bar disappointed

Allocations for places in reception classes at schools across Hertfordshire were announced yesterday – and it left some, especially in Hertsmere and Potters Bar, very disappointed.

Ninety-five per cent of the county’s children got one of their preferred options.

However just 81 per cent across the county landed their first choice.

In Welwyn Hatfield that figure is slightly higher at 82 per cent.

But in Hertsmere just under 75 per cent were allocated a place at their first choice school, with 76 per cent of Potters Bar children heading to their number one option.

A total of 15,267 applications were received by Hertfordshire County Council this year, an increase of 392 on last year.

Andrew Simmons, deputy director for children’s services, education, said: “We want all children to have access to a good education so they can reach their full potential, with the right number of school places in the right location.

“So I’m delighted that the vast majority of children have been allocated one of their ranked schools.

“This is a significant challenge given there are 10,000 more children under the age of four in Hertfordshire today than a decade ago.

“However we are committed to ensuring that where the country’s population grows we build the appropriate infrastructure and have spent £170m to provide more than 3,000 additional reception places, including 195 permanent places for September 2015.”

Acceptance responses are required from parents and carers by April 30.

Those children currently not allocated a school place should be offered one in the week starting May 11, with the deadlines for any appeals being 4pm on Tuesday, May 19.