Education Options

Finding the right secondary school for your pre-teen

Basingstoke and Deane falls within the county of Hampshire and Hampshire County Council is responsible for the education provision of the area.

There are 11 secondary schools located in Basingstoke and Deane.

The Hampshire County Council website details how you can apply for a place in a school in the borough along with the deadlines for applications. You can also find all the schools in Basingstoke and Deane on its find a school website.

There are also five independent schools at secondary education stage in the borough which have their own admission processes:

• Sherfield School – three months to 18 years.
• St. Michael's School – five to 18 years.
• Cheam School – two to 13 years.
• Thorngrove School – three to 13 years.
• Horris Hill School – two to 13 years.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

You can find a list of mainstream secondary schools in Basingstoke and Deane with specialist resourced provision if your child has Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). There are also a number of SEND schools located in the borough, covering secondary and 16 to 18 years learning:

• Limington House School – ages four to 19 years
• The Coppice Spring Academy – secondary years
• Dove House School – secondary and 16 to 18 years
• Loddon School – ages eight to 19 years (Private)
• Tadley Court School – ages four to 19 years

If you require more information please visit the Hampshire County Council website.

Open days

Choosing a secondary school can be a hard decision and to help, schools often hold open days. Schools often have catchment areas and other criteria when going through the application process and this is detailed on the Hampshire County Council website. This is worth considering if you are looking to move home to get your child into a specific school.

Useful information

You’ll be able to find information on the Hampshire County Council website about those that are eligible for free school meals. School holiday dates are also set by Hampshire County Council.

If you are educating your child at home, either full or part-time, you can find out more information on the GOV UK website.

Page updated December 2023. Main image shows Costello School in Basingstoke.