In-year applications

If you need to change the school your child is currently attending, you need to submit an in-year application. Applications are processed during term time only.

This does not apply to: 

• children starting school, 
• junior transfer applications, or
• secondary transfer applications.

Applications for children with an EHCP

If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP), please email sen.education@portsmouthcc.gov.uk for information about in-year admissions.

When you can apply

You can apply before you move home or before moving to Portsmouth, and tell us when you need the school place.

We will consider your application closer to your move date and will ask for proof of your new address. However, we cannot reserve or allocate a place before you move. The exception is armed forces personnel being posted into area.

Armed forces families

If you’re armed forces personnel and do not yet have a Portsmouth address, we can use your base address.

New to the UK

If you are new to the UK, you need to take proof of your home address and child’s date of birth to your allocated school.

Applying for September 2027

If you want your child to start at a new school in September 2027, you can apply and enter September 2027 in the 'Date place required' field on your application. Your application will be considered between 11 June 2027 and 9 July 2027.

Application and offer timetable (Autumn term 2027)

Before you apply

For the best chance of getting a place as near to your home as possible, list up to six preference schools, including your catchment school.

Some year groups, in some Portsmouth schools, are full due to high volume of in-year applications. Your child may be offered a school further from your home than requested.

We can only process applications for age-appropriate Portsmouth maintained mainstream schools listed in the school admissions booklet 2026/27 (PDF) (pages 69 to 73).

If your child is on roll at a Portsmouth school

Take the school stamp form (PDF) to your current school to fill out and upload it with your application. We cannot process your application without this form.

You do not need a school stamp form if you apply between 17 and 28 August 2026, when schools are closed

Applying for a Catholic primary school

Fill out the catholic primary supplementary information form (PDF) and upload it with any other required evidence for your application.

Applying for religious reasons

If you’re applying for St Jude’s Church of England or St George’s Church of England Beneficial School, for religious reasons, fill out the place of worship form (PDF) and upload it with your application.

Changing or adding to your preferences

If you've already applied in school year 2026/2027 and want to add or change your preferred schools after applying, do not submit a new application. Email admissions@portsmouthcc.gov.uk with your child’s name, date of birth, and your request.

How to apply

Start your in-year applications 2026-27 online.

We'll send offers by email from: portsmouth@icloud.servelec-group.com. Check your inbox, spam and junk folders.

If the email is delivered to your spam or junk folder, move it to your inbox before you can access the link to your offer letter.

Schools with a different application process

Apply directly to the following schools:

• St Edmund’s Roman Catholic Secondary School
• University Technical College (UTC) - Year 10 and above only
• Madani School
• Mayville School
• Portsmouth High School for Girls
• Portsmouth Grammar schools (private schools)

More information

• How to complete an online application for in-year application (PDF)
• How to register a new online account on the Education Portal (PDF)
• Inclusion Support Panel

Contact us

For further information or help with your application, email the admissions team at admissions@portsmouthcc.gov.uk, or phone 023 9268 8008 (via the city helpdesk).

You can also visit us at the Civic Offices. If possible, make an appointment before visiting to reduce waiting times.