Secondary School Applications Open

5 September 2011, 11:17 | Updated: 5 September 2011, 11:57

As children in Hertfordshire go back to school for a new year, applications for secondary school places in 2012 have opened.

Leaflets explaining the process will be distributed to families through their child's primary schools during September.  The closing date for applications is 31 October 2011 and Hertfordshire County Council say it's vital parents make their applications on time.

Frances Button, Executive Member for Education and Skills, said "I understand that parents and carers want their children to attend the school they most prefer. Hertfordshire has a good track record and last year over 95 per cent of children were allocated one of their three ranked secondary schools and over 94 per cent one of their three ranked primary schools.

"Hertfordshire County Council is not always able to completely satisfy parental preference, despite working very hard to achieve this.  I would therefore urge parents to carefully consider the preferences they make and to visit local schools before applying."

One of the easiest ways to apply for all categories of school places is online.  If you apply online you can amend your application at any time up to the closing date. Online applicants can access their school offer before allocation letters are received and parents are also able to accept the school allocation online.

Last year 97 per cent of parents applied online.  Parents that do not wish to apply online can request a paper application form that must be returned direct to the admission and transport team.  Application forms cannot be returned to primary schools.

Applications to primary, junior and middle schools opens on 14 November 2011 and the closing date is 15 January 2012. Relevant parents will receive a leaflet in mid-November.

Apply online or get more information on school admissions in Hertfordshire