Applications are open from today (9 September) until 11:59 pm on 31 October for pupils who are currently starting Year 6. To improve your chances of getting into a preferred school, remember to name three schools on your application and submit it before midnight. Library sessions are being held in some areas to support parents who have queries about the process.
Councillor Steve Forster, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Education, said: “Every year, the County Council handles more than 15,000 applications for children transitioning to secondary school. Our dedicated admissions team does an amazing job to accommodate as many parental preferences as possible. By submitting applications on time and listing three school preferences, families can significantly boost their chances of securing a place at one of their desired schools.”
Key points to remember:
- Name three schools: This gives your child the best chance of being offered a place at one of your preferred schools. Some parents mistakenly believe that naming just one school will increase their child’s chance of securing the place they want, but this can in fact mean they miss out on a place in a good nearby school altogether, particularly in areas of high demand.
- Catchment school: If it’s not possible to offer a place at any of the named schools, the local authority will offer a place at the catchment school (if places remain) or the nearest school with available places. Assistance with transport may be available if you meet the eligibility criteria and have named your catchment school as one of your preferences.
- Waiting list: If your child isn’t offered a place at any of the preferred schools, they will be added to a waiting list for the next available space. Spaces often become available as families move or choose different schools.
- Appeals: If you’re unhappy with the allocated place, you can appeal the decision.
How to apply:
- Online applications: Submit your application online. An electronic application form can also be requested by emailing [email protected]. You can log back in to amend your application any time before the closing date on 31 October 2024. Remember to resubmit after making any changes.
Notification:
- Applicants with email address: You’ll be notified of the outcome on 3 March 2025.
- Applicants without email address: You’ll receive a letter two to three working days later.
Application advice:
- Three preferences: Name three preferences to increase your chances of being allocated a preferred school.
- Catchment area finder: Use the County Council’s school catchment area finder to check your catchment school.
- Transport assistance: Name your catchment school as one of your preferences if you intend to apply for help with transport.
- Admissions policies: Read the schools’ admissions policies and look at previous years’ admissions data to understand how places are allocated.
- Library sessions: Drop-in sessions with the admissions team will be held between 9:30am and 3:30pm as follows:
- Tues 24 Sep Aldershot Library, 109 High St, Aldershot, GU11 1DQ
- Thurs 3 Oct Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport, PO121BT
- Fri 11 Oct Fareham Library, Osborn Rd, Fareham PO16 7EN
- Tues 15 Oct Havant Library, The Meridian Centre, Elm Ln, Havant PO9 1UN
- Wed 16 Oct Basingstoke Discovery Centre, Festival Place, Basingstoke, RG21 7LS
More guidance:
- Visit the Education and Learning pages on this website.
