Nearly 10% miss out on first-choice secondary school in Hampshire

NEARLY one in 10 Hampshire parents missed out on their child’s first choice secondary school this year, the county council has revealed.

However, more than 98% were offered a place at one of their top three options.

Of those who applied for a Year 7 place for September 2022 by the application deadline, more than 92% were offered a place at their first choice school.

This year HCC received 14,982 applications – an extra 499 on applications compared with September 2021.

Cllr Roz Chadd, HCC cabinet member for children’s services, said: “This is another fantastic result for pupils starting secondary education this autumn.

"Demand for school places continues to grow and our admissions team works incredibly hard each year to meet parents’ preferences as far as possible.

"Our continued investment in expanding our schools plays an invaluable role in making sure that we keep pace with rising pupil numbers."

She added: “With demand being so high, we understand that not everyone will have secured a place at one of their preferred schools. I would ask parents and carers in this situation to look at the guidance on our website for advice on their options.”

Unsuccessful applicants have been allocated a place at their catchment school or the next nearest available school.

Parents can appeal decisions and have their child’s name added to the waiting list for their preferred school.