One of four children did not get their first choice secondary school in St Albans and a total of 26 children did not get any of their preferences.

This compares with Harpenden, where 90% got their first preference and where only 2 children failed to get any.

Chris says: ‘County are spinning this as a good news story. For may St Albans families it is a day of disappointment – further demonstrating the lack of suitable school places in the city.’