Published on Monday 03 March 2025
97 percent of all families living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area have been offered a place at one of their preferred schools, with 86 percent receiving an offer for their first preference, up from 83 percent in 2024.
The outcome of secondary school applications will be shared with parents and carers today on National Offer Day, Monday 3 March 2025.
A total of 3790 families living in the BCP area applied for a secondary school place before the deadline of 31 October 2024. All children of parents in the BCP area who applied by the national deadline have been offered a secondary school place for September 2025.
Parents and carers who applied online will be able to log on from 10am today to view their school offer. Offer letters will be sent to all parents who applied by the closing date of 31 October 2024.
Councillor Richard Burton, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People, BCP Council said: “I am pleased that we have been able to offer 97 percent of families one of their preferred secondary schools for their children to attend from September 2025.
“Moving up to secondary school is an exciting experience for both children and parents but can also be an anxious time for some.
“Where families have not been offered a place at their preferred school it is recommended that they contact our school admissions team who are here to help you.
“On behalf of BCP Council, we wish your child every success in this important next stage in their learning.”
Families living in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole seeking information about school vacancies and options available, should contact the Admissions Team: 01202 123222 or 01202 127963.
Further Information:
Preferences Offered: As at the national closing date for applications (31 October 2024), a total of 3790 families living in BCP Council applied for a school place for admission in September 2025. Details of preferences offered are set out in the table below including percentage of families offered one of their preferences in the last 2 years.
|
Preference |
Percentage Offered September 2025 |
Percentage Offered September 2024 |
September 2023 |
|
1st Preference |
86% |
83% |
|
|
2nd Preference |
8% |
9% |
|
|
3rd Preference |
2% |
3% |
|
|
4th Preference |
0.6% |
0.7% |
|
|
Percentage offered one of their preferences |
97% |
96% |
94% |
This data is for all applicants who applied by the National Closing Date of 31 October
FAQs for parents and carers
What can I do if my child didn't get an offer at a preferred school?
- Carefully consider your allocated school and seek out information by contacting them and/or arranging a visit. You can also contact the School Admissions Team to find out where schools have vacancies and how to apply – see contact details below.
I haven't applied for a secondary place for my child yet. What can I do?
- Families need to apply as soon as possible. They can download an application form at bcpcouncil.gov.uk/schooladmissions
I don't want to accept my allocated school. What can I do?
- Contact the School Admissions Team for further advice. We strongly recommend you accept the allocated school – if you give up the place it will be allocated to another family. Accepting a place does not affect future applications, waiting lists or appeals. If you are offered a different school place at a later date, you can then turn down the place you were originally offered. Please be aware that allocated schools are normally the school closest to your home with spaces available – giving up a school place without discussing the options available could mean that you have limited choice of schools that are further away from where you live.