A public consultation has launched today (October 30) on plans to reduce the number of pupils admitted at four primary schools in Hertfordshire.

Hertfordshire County Council's proposals would see the published admissions number (PAN), which is the number of pupils that a school can admit into each year group, reduced at Northfields Infants School in Letchworth, The Grove Infants School in Harpenden, Forres Primary School in Hoddesdon and Roger de Clare First School in Puckeridge.

The council says the demand for primary school places in these areas is falling, and reducing the PAN "would provide a better match between demand and actual places".

In all cases, it says, the reductions have been requested and supported by the headteacher and governing board.

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County councillors are also proposing that, if the closure of Hexton JMI School is approved, that Pirton Primary School should give increased priority to children from the parish of Hexton.

Hexton JMI School, which was founded in 1846, offers 10 places in each year group - a total of 70 places across Reception to Year 6 - but has been struggling to attract pupils in recent years, with just one child starting in Reception this academic year.

A public consultation on a proposal to permanently close the school ended on October 1.

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Councillor Caroline Clapper, executive member for education, said: "We want every child to have the best possible start in life, and making sure we have the right number of school places in the right areas is an important part of that.

"Our existing admission arrangements work well, with over 98% of Hertfordshire children allocated a ranked primary school and over 94% a ranked secondary school in 2023.

"However, as our population changes, and new development happens in our county, there are times when it is right to review these arrangements.

"We know school places and admissions are a really important topic for parents, which is why we are committed to ensuring everyone can have their say."

For full details of the proposals and to take part in the consultation, which will run until December 11, visit hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions.