Nine out of 10 children secure their favoured secondary school place in Hampshire with 96% doing the same in BCP area

NEARLY all children in Hampshire and the BCP area have been offered their first choice of secondary school for September this year.

In Hampshire, 98% of kids managed to secure a place at the education establishment they favoured, while in the BCP area it was 96%.

Both figures were higher than last year.

In the BCP area a total of 3,854 families applied for a secondary school place before the deadline of 31st October 2023.

All of those who applied before the deadline have been offered a place for secondary school this year.

Cllr Richard Burton, cabinet member for children and young people at BCP Council, said: “Choosing the right school is one of those important decisions that families make.

“I am pleased that we have been able to offer an increasingly higher percentage of families one of their preferred secondary schools for their children to attend from September.

“We also recognise that some families may have questions regarding their child’s placement, and I would encourage them to contact the BCP Council’s school admissions team for help and advice by ringing 01202 123222 or 01202 127963.”

In Hampshire Cllr Steve Forster, the county council’s cabinet member for education, said: “My thanks go out to our hardworking school admissions team for another successful outcome, as they continue to deliver well above the national average for finding places at parents’ preferred schools.

“Today’s figures show that despite rising pressure in many areas with new housing developments, we are successfully managing demand.

“For those parents and carers who have not secured a place at one of their preferred secondary schools this year, I would urge them to please visit our website for advice and guidance on their options.”

Hampshire parents can visit https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/admissions/year-seven-offer-day-faqs

Admissions teams are now busy processing infant, junior and primary school applications, with school place offers due to go out to parents on 16th April.