Looking for a secondary school in Basingstoke and Deane
If you are looking for a secondary school for your child from September 2027 then it’s almost time to apply. For more information on the application process take a look at Hampshire County Council’s website.
Hampshire County Council also has a handy list of key dates including when applications open, the deadline and the date you will find out what school your child has been allocated.
You’ll also find a useful school finder tool on the Hampshire County Council website which highlights the catchment areas for each school so you can see if you fall into these.
We’ve put together a list of the 2026 open days for the secondary schools in Basingstoke and Deane so you can plan your visits:
The Blue Coat School
Western Way, Basingstoke, RG22 6HA
Thursday 1 October - 6 to 8pm
Open mornings take place on
Monday 21 September, Tuesday 22 September and Wednesday 23 September. Then Monday 28 September, Tuesday 29 September and Wednesday 30 September.
There is no requirement to book a place on the open evening on Thursday 1 October but you will need to reserve a place on the open mornings on The Blue Coat School website.
Bishop Challoner Catholic Secondary School
St Michael’s Road, Basingstoke, RG22 6SR
TBC
Find out about admissions for Bishop Challoner and contact the school via it's website.
Brighton Hill Community School
Brighton Way, Basingstoke, RG22 4HS
Monday 5 October - 6pm to 8pm
Find out about the open evening for Brighton Hill via it's website.
The Clere School
Earlstone Common, Burghclere, Newbury, RG20 9HP
Thursday 24 September - 6pm to 8pm
Find out more about the open evening for The Clere School.
The Costello School
Crossborough Hill, Basingstoke, RG21 4AL
Thursday 8 October - 5pm to 8pm
This open evening requires you to book a ticket.
The Costello School also have some open mornings on these dates:
Monday 12 October - Wednesday 14 October 9am -11am
Monday 19 October - Wednesday 21 October 9am -11am
If you wish to visit at an alternative time then please contact our Reception Team on 01256 321 263 or via cadmin@costello.hants.sch.uk. We warmly welcome visitors at a pre-arranged time to suit yourselves.
Find out more about the opening evening and mornings for The Costello School.
Cranbourne
Wessex Close, Basingstoke, RG21 3NP
Wednesday 9 September - 5pm to 8pm
The Cranbourne Open Evening will include Headteacher talks at 5.30pm, 6.15pm and 7pm. There is no requirement to book but you will be asked to sign in on arrival.
Parking will be extremely limited, so we advise parents and carers to walk or use public transport where possible.
There will also be open mornings on Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 September. These are by appointment only and must be booked by emailing s.owen@cranbourne.hants.sch.uk. Timings will be confirmed once a spot has been allocated.
Everest Community Academy
Oxford Way, Basingstoke, RG24 9UP
TBC
More information can be found on the Everest Community Academy website.
Robert May's School
West Street, Odiham, RG29 1NA
Thursday 10 September - Year 6 Parent Open Evening Presentation (for parents/carers only)
Tuesday 15 September - Open Evening with tours departing at 5pm, 5.30pm, 6.15pm and 6.45pm
Monday 5, Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 October - Year 6 Parent School in Action tours. The chance for parents/carers to visit during the normal school day to see lessons taking place.
Although located outside of the borough, this school catchment area covers part of Basingstoke and Deane. Booking is required for all the above events.
The Hurst School
Brimpton Road, Baughurst, Tadley, RG26 5NL
Thursday 1 October - 6pm to 8pm
There will also be open mornings, held during the school day, offering a chance to see the school in action, enjoy a prefect-led tour, and speak with a member of our Senior Leadership Team. Each session lasts about an hour and must be booked in advance. Open mornings take place in October, and dates will be published shortly. If you are interested in looking round the school outside of the open mornings, please call 0118 981 7474.
Find out more information about the open evening and mornings at The Hurst School.
The Vyne Community School
Vyne Road, Basingstoke, RG21 5PB
Thursday 17 September - 6pm to 8pm
Find out more information about the open evening at The Vyne School.
Testbourne Community School
Micheldever Road, Whitchurch, Hampshire, RG28 7JF
Thursday 1 October - 6pm to 9pm
Testbourne Community School will also have three open mornings Tuesday 6 October, Thursday 8 October and Wednesday 21 October which you will need to book to attend.
Private and independent schools
There are also a number of private or independent schools in the borough. These will have their own admissions process so please check individual schools’ websites for details on how to apply and deadlines. Open dates for these are as follows:
Cheam School
Headley, Newbury, Berkshire, RG19 8LD
Saturday 26 September 2026 - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Saturday 13 March 2027 - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Register for the open morning on their website.
Sherfield School
Sherfield-on-Loddon, Hook, Hampshire RG27 0HU
Friday 18 September
Find out more on their open events page.
St Michaels School
Harts Lane, Burghclere, Hampshire, RG20 9JW
Take a look at the St Michaels School admissions policy and contact them for more details.
Wellesley Prep School
Stratfield Turgis, Hook, RG27 0AR
Wellesley Prep School is an independent co‑educational school which educates children up to the age of 13. You can book a tour via their website.
If you have any questions please contact the schools direct or Hampshire County Council. The dates are correct at the time for publishing.
Updated August 2026
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