Hampshire parents and carers can now apply for school places
Applications are now open for children due to start reception or Year Three at a junior school in September 2026
Hampshire parents and carers of children due to start reception year or move to Year Three at a junior school in September 2026, can now apply for school places.
Applications are open until 15th January 2026 and parents are advised to name three schools.
Over the past six years, 97 percent of children were offered a place at one of their three preferred schools; with between 90 and 93 percent securing a place at their first choice.
Councillor Steve Forster, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Education, said: “Every year, thousands of families trust us with one of the most important decisions in their child’s early life.
"By naming three school preferences, parents give themselves the best chance of securing a place at one of their preferred choices.
“It’s a vital part of the process, and we urge all families to take full advantage of it and apply by the important deadline of 15 January.”
This year, parents are also being advised to plan ahead to avoid delays in submitting or updating applications.
This is because the County Council’s online application portal will be offline between 12 to 15 November, due to scheduled maintenance.
To improve the chance of receiving a place at a preferred school, parents are advised to:
• Use the School Catchment Area Finder to check their local school.
• Research schools using admission policies and past data.
• Include their catchment school if they plan to apply for transport assistance.
• Use all three preferences in the application.
Following the application deadline of 15 January 2026, parents who have applied on time will be notified of the outcome on 16 April – National Offer Day.
Parents can apply online and also find more guidance at the County Council’s school admissions pages.