A secondary school in Harpenden is changing its admissions policy in favour of children living in the town.

In an attempt to ease the squeeze on school places, St George’s has announced that it will remove the ten per cent non-sibling places reserved for people outside Harpenden.

The changes will come into action for the 2013 entry allocations.

Headteacher Norman Hoare said: "It does mean that we are losing the links with Christian families in communities further afield and we regret this.

"Over the years families from Luton and St Albans have come from church communities and have been wonderful supporters of the school.

"But we must emphasise that we are not changing the key criteria for admission - active membership of a church as supported and testified by a minister or recognised church leader of a recognised Christian denomination is a major determinant of entry, as is the sibling connection, closely followed by distance from the school gate.

"Nor will we change the number of boarders the school takes.

"Being a co-educational maintained boarding school with a religious character is fundamental to our existence and enriches the St George’s experience for staff, pupils and families. We remain proudly all-ability in our intake."