There are still just over three weeks left for parents to apply for secondary school spplication places for children due to start Year 7 in September 2024. With the deadline approaching on Tuesday 31 October, parents are being reminded to submit their applications on time and to name three preferences to give them the best chance of being offered a place at one of their preferred schools.

Councillor Steve Forster, the County Council’s Executive Member for Education, said: “We’ve already seen a high number of parents submit applications for their child’s secondary school place. While it’s good news that so many have taken the opportunity to apply early, we want to reassure those who haven’t yet applied that this does not have a bearing on the final outcome of their applications – as long as their applications are received before the 31 October deadline.

“We also want to emphasise again the importance of naming three schools in your applications. If you haven’t done this but have already applied, you can still log back into the School Admissions system and amend your application at any time before the deadline. We strongly encourage parents to make sure they name three schools to help them secure a preferred outcome.”

This year, for the first time, the County Council is running the following library drop-in sessions to help parents who require support with their applications:

  • Monday 9 October, 9.30am-3.30pm – Havant Library, The Meridian Centre, Elm Lane, Havant, PO9 1UN
  • Wednesday 11 October, 9.30am-3.30pm – Basingstoke Discovery Centre, Festival Place, Basingstoke, RG21 7LS
  • Monday 16 October, 9.30am-3.30pm – Havant Library, The Meridian Centre, Elm Lane, Havant, PO9 1UN
  • Wednesday 18 October, 9.30am-3.30pm – Basingstoke Discovery Centre, Festival Place, Basingstoke, RG21 7LS

There is no requirement to book ahead on any of the sessions; parents can simply turn up.

Parents yet to apply can now go online, or alternatively request paper forms by emailing admissions.team@hants.gov.uk or from any Hampshire school.

Parents who applied online and on time will be notified of the outcome of their application on 1 March 2024, and two to three working days later by letter if they applied using a paper form.

For more information about the admissions process, visit the County Council’s website.