Do I HAVE to put 3 choices ???

[nutcracker]

Have got the forms to apply for Ds's primary school place. I want him to go to the same school as the dd's are at but do I still have to put 3 preferences ??

[beckybrastraps]

I only put one on ds's application. Is there a chance he might not get in?

[nutcracker]

I don't think so no as we are in catchment area and his elder sisters go there too.

I think as long as the school is in your area it's usually fine.

[SoupDragon]

No. I only put 1 on DS2s (and 2 on DS1s.)

[nutcracker]

Ahh right, thanks for that.

[sunnydelight]

No, but if for any reason you didn't get your first choice you would then be allocated whatever school had spaces after all the places had been allocated because you didn't express a preference for anything else. If sibling preference applies in your area it should be irrelevant - you'll get a place for him because his sisters go there - unless for some bizarre reason there are more siblings and other special categories this year than there are reception places!!!! This sounds like it should be impossible but actually happened at a nearby single entry church school a couple of years ago.

[portonovo]

No, I have only put one choice down each time, I knew it was impossible for me not to get a place!

[kid]

I only put 1 on DS's form. I intend to only put3 on DDs secondary school form. I don't see why I should put more down if I don't want her going to that school. Not that she is at that age yet, I'm just planning ahead!

[joelallie]

I'm in the same position - 2 siblings already there. I only put one - seemed pointless doing anything else. Don't know enough about other schools

[sugarfree]

Kid, if you don't put any other preferences and places are short they will tell you where your child will be going and the whole thing could turn into a nightmare.
Just happened to a friend of mine.

[kid]

It was more or less guaranteed for DS to get into the school I put down because I work there.

I have another 3 years before secondary school transfer so won't worry myself about that just yet, I was speaking to someone about it the other day and it got me thinking.

[rustybear]

In our area there is one secondary school nobody wants - so if people don't put alternatives and their first choice is full, that's the one they get.

If you don't mind where your children go if they don't get in to your first choice, then you can just put down one. But don't think that because you haven't put a school on your list you won't get given a place there - you might well be.

[shewhoneverdusts]

I have just put the one I want dd to attend and she will have no problem getting in and two that I know are seriously over subscribed, so I know they will not offer me those. But I only did it because I am sooooo certain of her getting a place as my first choice, its local catchment school and big sister is already there, plus we are in the middle of a consultation phase which is looking at closing/mixing the school. What fun we have to look forward to!