Can you hold two state secondary offers open at the same time?

[paddythepooch]

Title says it. dd's friend said she has had two offers from schools on her list. Has not turned down either as they have yet to make up mind.

Is this possible? Seems a bit unfair as the one lower on her choices is hugely popular and lots of families still on waiting list. Anyone know how this works? If you are offered a place higher on your list does the offer on the other school lapse? are schools reliant on parents doing the right thing and telling the schools or do the LA automatically tell the school?

Just interested really. we got first choice so sorted.

I think you can do this for a few days only. The LA will give you thinking time to decide but not for long.

We only get one offer here - I thought that was the norm.

The LA that behaves in this way is almost certainly in breach of the Admissions Code. An offer can only be withdrawn in very specific circumstances. An alternative offer coming up via the waiting list is not one of them. I think any parent in this LA who decides they don't want the waiting list place would have an excellent appeal case if the LA refused to reinstate the original place.