Key dates
- Applications open on Wednesday 9 September at midday.
- Apply by 31 October 2026
- National Offer Day is Monday 1 March 2027
Before you apply
You can list up to six schools on your application.
We strongly recommend using as many preferences as possible. Listing only one or two schools does not make those schools more likely to offer you a place. This is a high birth rate year and demand for school places is expected to be high.
Living in a catchment area, having a sibling at a school, or meeting another priority criterion may improve your chances of getting a place, but it does not guarantee admission.
Before applying, make sure you understand how admissions work. Read the admission booklet for 2027-28 (PDF) and speak to the Admissions Team if you are unsure.
Once you have read the information on this page and gathered any supporting information you need, you can apply online.
Apply on time
The closing date for applications is 31 October 2026.
Applications received after this date are treated as late applications and will be processed after National Offer Day. By this stage, many schools may already be full, which could reduce your chances of securing one of your preferred schools.
You can still apply after 31 October 2026, but your school place will be allocated after national offer day 1 March 2027. A late application will reduce your chance of getting one of your preferred schools.
This is a high birth rate year, make sure you apply on time, and so put as many preference schools as possible (up to 6).
Please note:
- Once you submit your application, you cannot make changes online. If you have exceptional circumstances and need to change your application, email us with your child’s name, date of birth and details of your changes.
- If you can’t find your preference schools outside Portsmouth using the advanced search function, contact us.
Supplementary forms and supporting evidence
If you are applying for St Edmund's Catholic School, you must also complete the school's supplementary information form and provide any evidence requested by the school.
If you are applying for a school outside Portsmouth, check whether a supplementary form is required by contacting the school or visiting its website.
If you are applying under a school's medical or social need criterion:
- select the medical/social need option on your application
- provide evidence from a professional involved with your child or family
- explain why the particular school is the only suitable school
Not all schools include medical or social need within their admission criteria. Full assessment reports alone are not usually considered relevant supporting evidence.
National Offer Day
National Offer Day is Monday 1 March 2027.
If you applied on time, we will email your offer on 1 March 2027. If we do not hold a valid email address, we will send a letter by second-class post.
Please check your spam, junk and trash folders if you have not received your email. Offers cannot be given over the phone.
Parent checklist
Before submitting your application, check that you have:
- researched your preferred schools
- used as many school preferences as possible
- completed any supplementary forms required
- provided supporting evidence where needed
- submitted your application by 31 October 2026
- made a note to check your email on 1 March 2027
- understood that you should accept any school place offered, even if you plan to appeal or remain on a waiting list
Need help?
For more information, read the admission booklet for 2027-28 (PDF).
Contact the Admissions Team
- Email: admissions@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
- Call 023 9268 8008