On your marks, get set – parents can start applying for precious places at primary, junior and middle schools in Hertfordshire from today.

And County Hall chiefs have stressed the importance of people making their choices clear before the closing date in the middle of January.

The easiest way to apply for a school place for September 2015 is online – all you have to do is visit www.hertsdirect.org/admissions and complete the online application form. Last year 99 per cent of parents applied online and found the system quick, easy and secure.

Online applications can be amended at any time up to the closing date and the school offer can be viewed and accepted online before allocation letters are received.

An interactive version of a booklet available at www.hertsdirect.org/admissions provides all the information you will need about the primary, junior or middle transfer process and advice on where to find extra help.

Leaflets explaining how to apply are also being distributed, either posted directly to families of 2015 reception-aged children or passed on by schools to children in Year 2 in infant schools and Year 4 in first schools.

Before making an application, parents and carers are strongly advised to visit schools to help make their preferences. Parents should contact schools directly to find out more about open times and visits.

Councillor Chris Hayward, the County Hall portfolio holder for education and skills, said: “I understand that parents and carers want their children to attend the school they most prefer. Herts has a good track record and last year 95 per cent of applicants were offered a place at one of their four ranked primary, junior or middle schools.

“We are not always able to completely satisfy parental preference, despite working very hard to achieve this. I would urge parents to carefully consider the applications they make, to make realistic preferences and to visit local schools before applying.”