PARENTS reacted angrily today (Tuesday) when they learned their children would not be moving to the secondary school they all believed they were going to. The angry mood was reflected by parents who currently have children at Knebworth Primary School. The

PARENTS reacted angrily today (Tuesday) when they learned their children would not be moving to the secondary school they all believed they were going to.

The angry mood was reflected by parents who currently have children at Knebworth Primary School.

The pupils have been allocated places at Thomas Alleyne School in Stevenage and not Barnwell School.

Mother-of-three and music teacher at the primary school, Sam Jellett, 34, of Deanscroft, Knebworth, said: "Parents are furious. Barnwell is our closest school and not one child will be going there.

"This decision is outrageous and we will fight it.

"There will be a big protest against the decision by the county council's education authority and hopefully we can change their minds and extra spaces will be found for the village children at Barnwell."

Councillor Keith Emsall, executive member for education, said: "Although a few parents may be disappointed with the school they have been allocated, I would encourage them to have a look round before dismissing it."

Figures released this week by the county council show 11,873 children - or 92.8 per cent - were allocated a place at one of their three preferred secondary schools.

Just over 77 per cent gained a place at their first ranked school.

* Did you fail to get your preferred school? Are you unhappy with the council's admissions process?

Email the newsdesk at whtimes@archant.co.uk or call 01707 384180.