Applying for a reception place (Year R)

If your child was born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021, they will be eligible to start school in the school year beginning September 2025

Preparation for making an application

• When will my child start school
• Key dates
• Find schools in Hampshire
• Check your catchment school
• Decide which schools to apply for
• Information for parents applying for Stanhope Primary School, Hounsome Fields Primary School and Newlands Primary Academy

Apply for a school place

• How applications are processed
• Address information
• Applying to a school on medical or social grounds
• Applying to a church school on faith grounds
• Definition of displaced children and displaced siblings
• Advice for UK service families
• Changing your application after the deadline/making a late application
• Online application guidance notes
• How to create an account on the Education Portal video
• How to apply for a school place on the Education Portal video

Receiving the outcome of your application

The national notification date for on-time applicants is 16 April 2025

You will be sent an e-mail confirming the outcome of your application on the notification date. Online applicants can also log into the online system to view the outcome.

If you did not provide an email address with your application, you will be sent a letter on the notification date by post. Please allow 2 to 3 working days for your letter to arrive.

What happens next

Your notification email or letter will explain what happens next. See our Year R school place offer frequently asked questions for more information and for an explanation of the options available to you.

If you are making an application to the School Transport Service for assistance with transport, the deadline for submitting transport applications is 31 May 2025.

Further information and guidance

• Starting School in Hampshire: a guide for parents, carers and practitioners to help ensure the best possible start to school for Hampshire’s children
• Delayed admission for summer born children
• Childcare and Early Years
• Previous years admissions data
• Travel to school
• Free school meals
• Free school meals - Hampshire Education Catering
• Food to Flourish
• Save money with school lunches
• School term dates
• Ready, Steady School – Advice to help build your child’s confidence so that they start school with enthusiasm; curious and ready to learn
• Hampshire Healthy Families School Readiness workshops and courses
• Pre-school Immunisations – Is your child up-to-date? Speak to your health visitor or practice nurse for advice

Contact us

Contact The Admissions Team