PARENTS in Redbourn are unlikely be forced to send their children to Astley Cooper School in Hemel Hempstead, despite rumours flying around the village.

Many parents have heard that new rules for secondary school admissions next year will see all primary school children in Redbourn allocated places in Hemel Hempstead, rather than St Albans or Harpenden.

But this has been denied by Hertfordshire County Council, which is consulting with parents before making a final decision on changes to the system. A spokesman said: "Some parents have felt let down by the system in recent years and we understand their disappointment.

"We cannot give everyone what they want, but we are determined to introduce clearer, fairer and better rules for the future."

The county council has abandoned plans to "ringfence" secondary school places, which would have seen Hertfordshire divided up into areas and children guaranteed places in the areas they live in. The council took advice on the plan and was informed it is not legal and could be challenged in court.

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