Over 90 per cent of Year 6 pupils offered first preference secondary school, Hampshire County Council reports

More than 90 per cent of all Year 6 pupils have been offered their first preference secondary school in Hampshire for this upcoming academic year.

Of those that applied, 98 per cent have been offered a place at one of their three preferences to start school in September 2024.

A total of 90.71 per cent, or 13,232 children, got their first choice, while 5.97 per cent got their second and 1.43 per cent got their third.

Hampshire County Council received 14,587 on-time applications this year – a decrease of 306 on-time applications compared to the number received for places in September 2023 (14,893).

Pupils who did not secure a place at one of their preferences have been allocated a place at their catchment school or the next nearest school with a place available.

Parents have the right to appeal against any refusal in these situations and their child’s name will be added to the waiting list for their preferred schools.

The council has stated that places can become available via the waiting list for various reasons including parents changing their mind, or families moving home.