Parents of children due to start secondary school in September 2026 are being reminded that applications are now open – and the deadline to apply is 11:59 pm on Friday, 31 October 2025.
To maximise the chances of securing a place at a preferred school, Hampshire County Council is urging parents to name three schools on their 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.”
Key Advice for Parents
- Name three schools: Listing only one school does not improve your chances – in fact, it can mean missing out completely in areas of high demand.
- Check admissions policies: Each school has its own admissions rules. Reviewing previous years’ data can also help parents understand how places are allocated.
- Catchment school: If none of the named schools can offer a place, the council will allocate the catchment school (if spaces remain) or the nearest school with availability. Help with transport may be available if the catchment school is named as one of the preferences.
- Waiting lists: If your child is not offered a place at any of your chosen schools, they will automatically be added to the waiting list. Places often become available later in the year.
- Appeals: Parents unhappy with the outcome can appeal the decision, with details provided during the process.
How to Apply
- Online applications: Apply via the Hampshire County Council website: www.hants.gov.uk.
- Requesting a form: An electronic application form can also be requested by emailing admissions.team@hants.gov.uk.
- Making changes: You can log in and amend your application any time before the closing date – just remember to resubmit.
Notification of School Places
- Applicants with email: Will be notified of the outcome on 2 March 2026.
- Applicants without email: Will receive a letter two to three working days later.
For more information and guidance, visit the Education and Learning pages at www.hants.gov.uk.