Hampshire School Admissions and Term Dates: A Guide for Eastleigh Parents
School applications, key dates, catchment areas, term dates, and the independent appeals process — everything Eastleigh parents need to know about getting their child into school.
School admissions in Hampshire follow a set annual pattern. Applications are managed centrally, and the key dates matter — missing a deadline can affect your child's school offer. Here's what you need to know.
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How to Apply for a School Place
Applications are made online through Hampshire's admissions system at https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/admissions.
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Key Application Dates for September 2027 Entry
Starting School (Reception)
- Applications open: 1 November 2026
- Deadline: 15 January 2027
- On-time offer notification: 16 April 2027
- Waiting list established: 30 April 2027
Infant-to-Junior Transfer (Year 3)
- Applications open: 1 November 2026
- Deadline: 15 January 2027
- On-time offer notification: 16 April 2027
- Waiting list established: 30 April 2027
Transfer to Secondary (Year 7)
- Applications open: 7 September 2026
- Deadline: 31 October 2026
- Offer notification: 1 March 2027
- Waiting list established: 15 March 2027
In-Year Applications (September 2027 start)
- Applications open: 1 May 2027
- Processing from: 7 June 2027
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Catchment Areas and School Admissions Criteria
Not every school has a catchment area. Community schools and voluntary controlled schools operate catchment areas, but academies, free schools, and foundation schools may set their own admissions criteria or have none at all.
Check your catchment area: Use the School Catchment Area Finder tool at https://maps.hants.gov.uk/schoolcatchmentareafinder/ to see which schools serve your postcode.
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Appeals: If You Don't Get Your Preferred School
If the council can't offer your preferred school, you have the right to appeal to an independent panel. The Independent Appeals Service runs appeals for community schools and some own-admission-authority schools.
Guidance: https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/admissions/guidance/appeals
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Hampshire Term Dates 2026–27
The dates below apply to Community and Voluntary Controlled schools. Please note: academies and other independent schools may set slightly different dates, so always check with your specific school.
Autumn Term
- Starts: Tuesday 1 September 2026 - Ends: Friday 18 December 2026 - Half-term: Monday 26–Friday 30 October 2026Christmas Holiday
- Runs: Monday 21 December 2026 – Friday 1 January 2027Spring Term
- Starts: Monday 4 January 2027 - Ends: Thursday 25 March 2027 - Half-term: Monday 15–Friday 19 February 2027Easter Holiday
- Runs: Friday 26 March 2027 – Friday 9 April 2027Summer Term
- Starts: Monday 12 April 2027 - Ends: Wednesday 21 July 2027 - Half-term: Monday 31 May–Friday 4 June 2027 - Summer holiday starts: Thursday 22 July 2027---
Inset Days (Training Days)
Schools also get 5 additional inset or training-day closures set individually by each headteacher or governors. Check with your specific school for the dates it will be closed.
Information checked September 2026. For current key dates, term dates, and appeals guidance, visit https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/admissions.
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