Parents and carers in Hampshire can now apply for a school place for children starting Reception (Year R), or transferring to Year 3 at a junior school, in September 2027.
The closing date is 15 January 2027. Families are strongly encouraged to name three schools, in order of preference. Doing so gives the admissions team more options if a place cannot be offered at the first-preference school. Naming only one school does not increase the chance of being offered a place there.
Councillor Juliet Henderson, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Education, said:
“Choosing a school is an important decision for every family. Listing three preferences gives parents the best chance of receiving an offer from one of the schools they have chosen.
“I would encourage families to look carefully at the admissions information for each school, include their catchment school where appropriate, and submit their application by 15 January.”
Across the past six years, 97 per cent of children were offered a place at one of their three preferred schools. Between 90 and 94 per cent received an offer for their first preference.
Before applying, parents and carers should:
- Check which school serves their address, where appropriate, using the School Catchment Area Finder.
- Read each school’s admissions policy and look at previous admissions data.
- Include their catchment school if they may need to apply for school transport assistance.
- Use all three preferences and list them in genuine order of preference.
Applicants who submit on time will receive their outcome on 16 April 2027, National Offer Day.
Applications can be made online. Guidance on choosing schools and completing an application is available on the Hampshire County Council school admissions pages.