The wait to find out about secondary places is over after families were handed their designated schools this afternoon (Tuesday).

82 children were left without a school of their preference, while 78 per cent of applicants in the St Albans district were given their first choice, 10 per cent their second, 4.5 per cent their third, and 0.4 per cent their fourth.

The district falls just below the county’s average of 79 per cent who were allocated their first choice.

David Williams, cabinet minister for enterprise, education and skills, said: “Moving onto secondary or upper school is an important step and we work extremely hard to make the applications and allocation process smooth and straightforward.

“While I appreciate that a small number of parents may be disappointed with the school they have been allocated, I 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 detailed information about the post allocation processes can be found here.