Waiting lists for school places

Find out how school waiting lists work and what can affect your child's position.

Information for 2027 entry

Information about offers, waiting lists, appeals and school allocation details for this transfer group will be published on National Offer Day.

Secondary schools: Monday 1 March 2027

Infant, Primary and Junior schools: Friday 16 April 2027

How waiting lists work

If your child did not get a place at your preferred school, they will be added to the waiting list for each refused school. 

You may be asked later if you want to stay on the waiting list. If you do not respond by the deadline, your child’s name will be removed.

Your​ child’s​ position ​on ​the ​waiting ​list ​will ​be prioritised​ according ​to ​the ​admissions​ criteria​ in ​the​ admissions policy. 

It's important to note that a child’s position on the waiting list can change, moving both up or down, as children either join or are removed from the waiting list. 

No priority is given based on the length of time on the waiting list. They must be ordered by oversubscription criteria.

Changes to your circumstances

If you have any change of circumstance, such as:

  • a change of address, 
  • a change of school through the in-year application process for your child or a sibling

Please contact the admissions team immediately.

This could impact on the position your child holds on a school’s waiting list.

If you are unsuccessful for a school outside of Portsmouth

We do not operate waiting lists for schools in Hampshire or other schools outside Portsmouth. Contact the relevant local authority directly for information about their waiting list arrangements.

Contact us

If you need further guidance for this process, contact the admissions team at admissions@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or on 023 9268 8008 (via the City Helpdesk).

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