Applications for secondary school places for September 2025 are now open.

Councillor Steve Forster, of Hampshire County Council education, encouraged families to list three preferred schools to boost acceptances.

The application deadline is at 11.59pm on October 31. Starting today, September 9, applications are being accepted for pupils who are beginning Year 6.

To assist with queries, library sessions are being set up across different areas. Each year, the council handles more than 15,000 applications, aiming to cater to as many parental preferences as possible.

Listing three schools on the application not only helps to secure a place at one of the preferred schools but prevents the child from missing out on good local schools, especially in areas of high demand.

If none of the preferred schools can offer a place, the local authority will provide a spot at the catchment school or the nearest option, based on availability.

The admissions team will be present at various library drop-in sessions scheduled between 9.30am and 3.30pm, beginning at Aldershot Library on September 24.

Applicants should email admissions.team@hants.gov.uk for an electronic application. Results will be available on March 3, 2025, for applicants who provided an email address.

Those without will receive a letter two to three working days later.