Not accepting a school place. Do I *have* to tell LA what I am doing?

[InASchoolsDilemma]

I'm not home educating, but thought about it years ago, and spent some time lurking on this board. So I know that everyone on here will be able to advise me.

DS has been in private education up to now (Yr 6). We applied through the LA system for the LB of Sutton grammar schools and DS has been accepted at one. But we have decided to stay in the private sector. My acceptance form says that if I decline, I MUST tell them which school DS is going to instead.

That's not the case, is it? Or have things changed? I thought I was under no obligation to tell them. I don't really have a problem with telling them, but I do object to being told I must when I'm not sure that's correct.

plus LA responsible for safeguarding and wellbeinf of all children in area. of which vacs play a part
I suppose some people opt out. can't stop that but it does make it, in general, more difficult.

I guess my reticence comes from the fact that DS has never been on their radar in the first place. My LA doesn't know he exists as he has always been privately educated. Only by registering recently did they get to know about him. I'm happy to provide them the information that they need to say that he is staying where he is, and have done that.