Today is the day when parents across south west Hertfordshire will find out where their child has been offered a primary school place.

Councils will send out letters confirming school places today, on what is known as National Offer Day.

The news will come by email for those who have applied online.

If you didn’t get the school of your choice, here’s what to do next:

How do schools allocate places?

Each school has a set number of places for the new school year, starting in September.

If too many people apply, admission criteria will decide who gets a place.

Admission criteria can be different for each school.

How can you appeal?

You should fill out the relevant form from your  council’s website and supply any evidence to support your application. 

The panel will not have copies of any documents you have previously sent with your school application, so you must sent them again if you want the panel to consider them.

You must appeal against each rejection separately.

What is the deadline for appeals?

All local authorities and schools say appeals should be submitted as soon as possible. Details of the deadline will be included on your offer letter.

When do hearings take place?

The ‘admission authority’ for the school (usually the school itself or the council) must give you at least 10 school days’ notice of the hearing. Appeals must be heard within 40 school days of the deadline for making an appeal.

Who will hear your appeal?

Appeals are heard by an independent panel made up of three people.

When will I find out the decision?

The panel will send you and the admission authority their decision within 5 school days.

A panel’s decision can only be overturned by a court. If there’s a change in your circumstances which could affect the decision, you may be able to appeal again.

Have you got your preferred place? Comment below or email charlotte.ikonen@london.newsquest.co.uk.