Parents with children due to start secondary school next year can now apply for their child’s school place.

Applications are open from today (Monday, 8 September 2025) until 11:59 pm on Friday, 31 October 2025 for pupils moving up to year 7 in September 2026. To improve your chances of getting into a preferred school, remember to name three schools on your application and to submit it on time.

Councillor Steve Forster, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Education, said: “Our admissions team works incredibly hard to meet parents’ preferences as far as possible. Last year we received more than 14,000 on-time applications and of those, the team offered over 13,900 families a place at one of their three preferred choices. Parents can support this process themselves by making sure they submit their applications on time and naming three preferences; this will give them the best possible chance of securing a place at a preferred school.”

Important information and advice

• 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 nearby school altogether, particularly in areas of high demand.

• Admissions policies: Read the schools’ admissions policies which can differ depending on the type of school and look at previous years’ admissions data to understand how places are allocated.

• 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. You can use the County Council’s school catchment area finder to check your catchment school.

• 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. Details are shared as part of the application process.

How to apply

• Online applications: Submit your application online. An electronic application form can also be requested by emailing admissions.team@hants.gov.uk. You can log back in to amend your application any time before the closing date on 31 October 2025. Remember to resubmit after making any changes.

Notification

• Applicants with email address: You’ll be notified of the outcome on 2 March 2026.

• Applicants without email address: You’ll receive a letter two to three working days later.

More guidance

• Visit the Education and Learning pages on the County Council’s website: hants.gov.uk.