Big majority of Hampshire and Portsmouth students get into secondary school of their choice

More than 98 per cent of families applying to get into secondary schools controlled by Hampshire County Council got a place at one of their preferred schools, with 93.6 per cent getting the one they wanted most.

In Portsmouth, 96 per cent of students got into one of their top three preferred schools.

The council says there were plenty of places up for grabs – 1,926.

A total of 87.5 per cent got their first choice, up from 86.2 per cent in 2015.

Councillor Peter Edgar, Hampshire’s executive member for education, said: ‘We have again been able to offer a very high number of pupils a place at their preferred secondary school.

‘That’s a significant achievement considering the size of the county and increasing demand for school places – we received 13,515 on-time applications this year, up by over 500 from last year.

‘Pupil numbers continue to rise, and I am pleased to say that our investment in schools to provide the additional places is keeping pace, thanks to our strong track record in planning for the future.

‘I understand there will be some disappointment for those parents who did not secure a place at one of their chosen schools, but every child whose parents applied for a place at a Hampshire secondary school, has been offered one.

‘There are always individual schools with exceptionally high demand, which is a credit to the high standard of teaching at these schools.’

Pupils who did not secure a place at one of their chosen schools will be allocated a place at a nearby school with available spaces.​

Parents have the right to appeal if they do not get their chosen school, and can put their child’s name down on their preferred school’s waiting list.

Places can become available if parents change their mind or if families move home.

Hampshire’s admissions team is now processing primary school applications with offers due to go out to parents on April 18.

Cllr Neill Young, Portsmouth education boss, said: ‘We have worked really hard to ensure children get into one of their three preferred schools. It’s great news, and the message is getting out there to parents to get their applications in early.’