PARENTS will learn this evening (Friday) which secondary schools their children have been allocated.

Most parents and carers in Hertfordshire will be able to access their secondary transfer allocation information from 6pm.

Allocation emails will be sent, after 6pm, to all parents who have confirmed their email address.

And the online allocation system will be available for all online applicants after allocation emails have been despatched, at www.hertsdirect.org/admissions

Allocation letters will only be sent to those who applied on paper or applied online but did not confirm their email address.

The county council says 95 per cent of children have been allocated a place at one of their preferred schools. Eight per cent of children have gained a place at their first ranked school, up from 79 per cent last year.

But 225 out of 11,660 have only been given their fourth place.

Frances Button, cabinet member for education and skills, said: “Moving on to secondary or upper school is an important step and we work extremely hard to make the applications and 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.”

Further details can be found on the county council’s website.

• Has you child been allocated a school which wasn’t one of their choices, or which they will have to travel far to? Let the Comet know by emailing editorial@thecomet.net or calling the newsdesk on 01438 866200.