The Cowplain School

When there are more applications than places for 2027-28 (Year 7), places are offered in this order of priority. Meeting a higher criterion beats meeting a lower one.

1. 1Looked after / previously looked after children — A 'looked after child' or a child who was previously looked after (see definition).
2. 2Exceptional medical/social need — Children or families with an exceptional medical and/or social need, supported by evidence from an independent professional (e.g. doctor, consultant, social worker, health visitor, housing officer, police or probation officer) confirming the need can only be met at this school; the relevant box must be ticked on the application form and evidence submitted with the application.
3. 3Children of staff — Children of staff who have (1) been employed at the school for two or more years at the time the application is made, or (2) been recruited to fill a vacant post for which there is a demonstrable skill shortage.
4. 4Siblings — Brothers/sisters of children who are attending the School (including children living as siblings in the same family unit) and will still be on roll at The Cowplain School at the time of the sibling's admission.
5. 5Linked schools — Attendance at one of our linked schools (up to 31 August 2027): Denmead Junior, Hart Plain Junior, Hambledon Primary, Padnell Junior or Woodcroft Primary School.
6. 6Distance — Distance from the school based on a straight line from the School Reception front door to the front door of the property (distances to multiple dwellings give priority to the ground floor over the first floor and so on). For students from the villages of Denmead and Hambledon, distance is measured from the front door of the property to either Doctors Surgery Bus Stop on Hambledon Road, Denmead, or West Street Bus Stop, Hambledon, whichever is nearer.

If two applications tie: If the school is oversubscribed from within any of the above categories, straight line distance will be used to prioritise applications; applicants living nearer the school have priority. Where two or more applicants who are equidistant, a random allocation will be made to allocate the final place.

The published admission number of 200 includes 7 places for admittance to the ASC and/or SpLD resource provision. The Trustees will admit any child whose EHCP names the school, and where possible such children are admitted within the PAN, ahead of the numbered criteria. This policy also applies to in-year admissions during 2027/28.

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.