Argh school admissions - WIBU to just put one option?

[TheElementsSong]

We have twin DDs due to start Reception next September so it is time to fill in the dreaded school application form.

We have 4 potential schools nearby. In order of distance:

1. A very highly-rated VA RC school.
2. A good non-faith infant school, which is our "priority area" school.
3. A very highly-rated VA CoE school.
4. A non-faith primary which has been in trouble for several years and is now in special measures.

Apart from school #4 all are oversubscribed. We are not at all religious, so our DDs basically have no chance at either of the faith schools. I've read on MN a lot that we should use all 3 choices on the form, but I can't see any reason why I should put anything other than school #2. Maybe school #4 as a backup?

We are in the process of visiting all the schools but already I didn't get a good vibe from school #4 (they seemed genuinely chaotic in various ways).

DH and I have discussed this over and over, but still can't decide what to do. Opinions much appreciated!

If you put one school down - you will get that one or your catchment school if that one is full.

The most important thing is to visit all the schools to make up your mind.

I think in Scotland you are guaranteed a place at your catchment school.

If they're giving out such misinformation, it might be worth you making a complaint. Not to be awkward but to prompt some training and prevent other people believing the nonsense they're spouting.

I didn't put my catchment school down. Like I said I put only one school down, the one 4th furthest from me in fact.

Whatever you decide if you apply out of catchment do check their policy as the many out of catchment schools do not prioritise all siblings - only siblings in catchment. Last year we were worried sick as in previous years in dd school, no out of catchment siblings got in.

Personally after having 2 years of worry I would never recommend applying out of catchment. Even if they do prioritise siblings, you could be some distance away still and one day could lose out.

I'd go for school 2, 3(if they offer and you need sibling priority) then 4