Parents in Hitchin and across Hertfordshire can now apply for school places for September 2026, as the county's admissions process officially opened on Monday 3 November.

Families with children starting primary school or moving on to a junior or middle school next year are being urged to apply in good time – and to take advantage of the quick and secure online system at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions.

Online applications can be changed at any time before the closing date, and parents will be able to see and accept their school offers online before allocation letters are posted. Last year, 99% of families applied online.

Cllr Mark Watkin, Executive Member for Education, SEND and Inclusion, said:

"We want all children and young people to thrive and achieve their potential, and Hertfordshire's schools provide an excellent education to thousands of pupils.

"We have a good track record of getting children a place at one of their preferred schools and we understand this is really important to parents and carers. Last year nearly 98 percent of children in Hertfordshire were allocated one of their four ranked primary, junior or middle schools.

"I would urge parents and carers to carefully consider the schools they rank, make realistic preferences and visit local schools before applying."

Information leaflets are being distributed this month to families with reception-age children, as well as those in Year 2 at infant schools and Year 4 at first schools.

Parents and carers are advised to:

• Read the online admissions information carefully before applying
• Attend local school open events where possible
• Contact schools directly for further details

The closing date for applications for under-11s is 15 January 2026 – and late applications may reduce the chance of securing a preferred place.

Those without internet access can request a paper application form directly from the Admissions and Transport team.

The county council has also confirmed that the on-time application window for secondary, upper, studio and university technical college admissions (for September 2026) has now closed, although late applications can still be made until 30 January 2026.

For full details, visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions.