Admissions Question

[Raaaa]

Hi I have a preschooler so I am not savvy with the admissions process but realise it is looming. We will be moving house soon where there are a lot of schools in the area, compared to where we are now where there is one.
I have been told that catchment areas don't count anymore and you can apply for a school across town and have a good chance of getting it.
Surely this can't be right? I thought you get an admissions pack with a list of the schools and a map of the area they cover? Thanks!

The year ds2 went to school he was one of 22 siblings. This meant that only people living literally next door to the school got in. We would have never got in if he had not been a sibling.

That's a good point. Our village school is very small and in my youngest's year group every single child had one or more siblings in the school. In a big school those numbers would have been insignificant. Its never happened before or since in our village mind you, but it does go to show that strange things can and do happen.
I would look back over at least 5 years of data if possible. It still doesn't guarantee anything of course but gives you a better idea than just what happened last year. Also check for any recent changes like new housing developments that might influence numbers. I know someone who was absolutely confident her child would get a place in a particular school based on previous admissions data, completely failing to consider the huge new estate that had been built down the road.

Yes, one form entry and large cohort of siblings can scupper your chances.