Hampshire County Council opens online applications for primary school places

Parents can now apply for school places for children starting primary school next year, with online guidance available.

Applications are open for children who are due to start reception (Year R), or transferring to Year 3 at a junior school, in September 2027.

Families are being encouraged to name three schools, in order of preference so the admissions team at the council have 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.

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.

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 January 15.”

Applications can be made online, with guidance on choosing schools and completing applications available on the Hampshire County Council school admissions pages - click here for more information.