Hampshire schools

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Would really welcome some thoughts from posters. We have two DCs 10 and 8. For various reasons DH and I have decided to explore moving house. We’ve considered moving to Devon (we are Surrey) but recognise (and from great advice here) that this may not be the right move for our DCs.

So we are now considering a move closer to home but to Hampshire. The reason being that it’s closer to work for me and we will not have to have a huge mortgage for the house we would like.

We would need to sell our home, and possibly rent if needed. I called Hants school admissions for some advice today about DS year 7 application for sept 2021.

It felt like it’s a very difficult task, we’d be on wait lists from March which feels really hairy given that if we stayed in our current house we are in catchment for an outstanding secondary.

I would really welcome the thoughts of posters who know the Hants secondaries and if they have any experience of this sort of situation. We are currently looking at Petersfield / Liss / Liphook but also have been advised to consider Alton and Alresford.

Many thanks

Petersfield is expensive but the secondary - TPS (The Petersfield School) is very good. No advice on admissions.

The Alresford/Alton schools are great. Alresford is expensive but lovely, Alton is less expensive, but is also nice.

Visit the areas you mention and see what you think. Sadly I’m not sure many schools are running open days at the moment.

There is a lot of building going on in/around Petersfield. There is a new estate on the Causeway which is opposite the school, so that will hoover up a lot of places, although if you buy one your kids won't have far to walk!-

www.dwh.co.uk/new-homes/hampshire/h630301-causeway-park/

The Petersfield School (TPS) used to have children from quite far away, but that has changed rapidly over the last couple of years. Its a good school, with an enthusiastic young head, and pretty decent facilities. Houses are cheaper in Clanfield just outside Petersfield, but I'm not sure if you can still be certain about getting in. Be careful about choosing a house in some of the outlying villages, as you may be offered something unexpected. A friend bought a house in Rake (3 miles out of town) and got offered a school in Midhurst (9 miles form them)

I would consider Liphook, as then you should be OK for Bohunt, (rated Outstanding) which is very good, and houses are a bit cheaper. It also has a 6th form (which I think some TPS kids transfer to)

www.bohunt.hants.sch.uk/about/school-performance-and-exam-results/

To be honest, most state schools in this area are pretty decent - but I would stay away from areas like Leigh Park/Purbrook.
Happy hunting!

I replied on your other thread but I think if you have a change of address you have until 6th January to change it and still be treated as an on time application which gives you a bit longer.
I have never heard of anyone in Alton being sent out of area - there has always been room in Amery and Eggar’s. I’m struggling to think of where they might send you in Alresford if the school is full - Alton or Winchester schools I guess as that’s the only bus route and all are great as well. I would wait a until next week and contact Bohunt what your chances would be - either applying from miles away or on the wait list.
Come and have a good look round the areas especially since we’ve suggested Alton and Alresford. (Alresford isn’t on the train line if that’s crucial - Alton is the end of the line.)