Alderwood School

When there are more applications than places for 2027-28 (Reception), places are offered in this order of priority. Meeting a higher criterion beats meeting a lower one.

1. 1Looked after children or children who were previously looked after (see definition i).
2. 2Children or families with an exceptional medical and/or social need. Each application wishing to be considered under this criterion must include supporting evidence from an independent professional such as a doctor and/or consultant for medical needs or a social worker, health visitor, housing officer, the police or probation officer for social needs. This evidence must confirm the child or family’s medical or social needs and be clear why those needs can only be met at this school, rather than any other (see definition ii). Applicants will only be considered under this criterion if on the application form (online or paper) they have ticked the appropriate box explicitly indicating that they wish for their application to be considered under medical / social need and appropriate supporting evidence is submitted with the application.
3. 3Children of staff (see definition iii) who have, (1) been employed at the school for two or more years at the time at which the application for admission to the school is made, or (2) have been recruited to fill a vacant post for which there is a demonstrable skill shortage.
4. 4Children living in the catchment area (see definition iv) who at the time of application have a sibling (see definition v) on the roll of the school or linked junior school who will still be on roll at the time of admission.
5. 5(C of E controlled schools only) Children living in the catchment area with a parent who is an active member of the Church of England (see definition vi) and who requests admission on denominational grounds and provides relevant evidence.
6. 6Other children living in the catchment area of the school.
7. 7Children living out of the catchment area who at the time of application have a sibling (see definition v) on the roll of the school or linked junior school who will still be on roll at the time of admission.
8. 8(C of E controlled schools only) Children living out of the catchment area with a parent who is an active member of the Church of England (see definition vi) and who requests admission on denominational grounds and provides relevant evidence.
9. 9Other children.

Hampshire County Council's determined admission arrangements for the community and voluntary controlled schools it is the admission authority for, determined by the Executive Member for Education on 24 February 2026 for entry in September 2027. Criteria 4 to 8 key on the school's CATCHMENT AREA. This is the infant and primary policy. School-specific criterion published by the council for this school: Out-catchment children living on the east side of the Blandford House and Malta Barracks housing development (previously part of Alderwood School’s catchment area), who are starting secondary school for the first time and who have a sibling on roll at Alderwood School (who was on roll and living at the same address prior to the catchment change and will still be on roll at the time of the other child’s admission), will be given catchment, sibling priority for Alderwood School, for up to and including admission in September 2029.

Published by the admission authority. Meeting a criterion never guarantees a place — it sets the order places are offered in. Full detail, other entry points and previous years are on the Admissions tab.