Schools Admission for separating couple

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My sister and her husband are getting a divorce. They live in different local authorities and I’ve just found out that they have both submitted a school application for their child. I imagine this is going to cause them an issue- but I’m not sure they understand (nor do I!) could they end up getting none of their choices?

Depending on where they are and where they are applying for, any of both getting 1st options, neither getting anything and indeed the council's talking to one another are possible.
How far apart are they ? (My exh and I are in different local authorities but the same upper school catchment for DD)
Are they currently 50/50 or is one classed as resident?
Are they talking at all?
If one is resident, having them apply and the other one withdraw the application would seem sensible.
If not is one in a better catchment?

They live quite far apart- a few hours. They are currently 50/50 but due to distance that can’t continue when LO starts school. Part of the problem is that they can’t decide where he should live (he only works part time, but struggles with his health and cannot always look after LO although his family try to help. She works long hours, but I’m sure we’ll help her out if required). I’m worried they’ll get caught and will have all their applications withdrawn and they’ll get none of their options.

Sounds like LO is stuck in the middle of a situation with few good outcomes.
Seems unlikely that they will have both application scratched but they do need to make decisions fast. Maybe through mediation to ensure both are heard?
Or one of them needs to be the bigger person and move closer. Is either in a job that makes this easier?
Did they ever live together and who moved away?
Good luck.

Well they need to pull their heads out of their arses and decide where their child is going to live most of the time. At the moment they run a very big risk that both areas will want evidence of that being the child's main residence, not being able to produce said evidence, and having the applications declined and hence no school anywhere.

If they can't decide then one of them needs to apply to court for a decision.