Portsmouth Schools: Here's how many year 6 students got into their first choice secondary school
Parents across the city have found out whether their children have secured a place at their first choice secondary school.
After seven years at primary school, the latest cohort of students in the city are getting ready to start a new chapter this September, with 84 per cent of youngsters being offered their first choice secondary school - a nine per cent increase compared to last year.
Parents were required to submit their secondary school applications by October 31, 2025, outlining their three preferred schools in the area. Portsmouth City Council has now confirmed a total of 95 per cent of year six students have secured a place at one of their top three choices.
Councillor Nick Dorrington, cabinet member for children, families and education, said: “We’re pleased to see an increase in the number of children being offered their first preference secondary school this year, with most families receiving the school they hoped for.
“We also recognise that for some families this will be a worrying and disappointing time. Moving up to secondary school is a significant milestone, and it’s understandable to have concerns when things don’t go as planned. Our admissions team works hard to make the process as fair and transparent as possible, and we would encourage any families who didn’t receive their preferred place to check the information available and get in touch with us for advice and support.”
Hampshire County Council (HCC), which covers school applications for East Hampshire, Hart, New Forest, Test Valley, Basingstoke and Deane, Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Rushmoor, and Winchester, has also revealed its latest figures, with 13,880 applications received on time.
In total, 90 per cent of HCC students received their first choice school, with more than 97 per cent of pupils getting into one of their top three choices.
Councillor Steve Forster, executive member for education, said: “A huge thank you to our admissions team who continue to do an incredible job year on year, processing thousands of applications and working hard to accommodate parents’ preferences as far as possible.
Pupils who were not offered a place at one of their preferred schools have been allocated a place at the next nearest school with available spaces, and students who are unsuccessful in securing a preference will have their name added to the waiting list. Places may become available through the waiting list for various reasons, including families moving home or parents changing their preferences.
Admissions teams for Portsmouth and Hampshire are now processing primary school applications, with offers due to be sent to parents on April 16, 2026.