admissions question: two preferences or three and appeal

[gnushoes]

We're dithering. We're in catchment for two (oversubscribed) schools and last year there were more applicants than places but the "extra" children were eventually taken by the schools. We'd be really happy with either of these schools. There is a third school not far away that'd be OK but would really prefer one of the first two schools as they are properly local, friends will be there, etc. No sibling link as of July sadly.
Really anxious that DS doesnt get allocated one of the less oversubscribed schools in area which are technically out of catchment.
If we put down the third school on the form, and he got that one, could we still appeal for a higher preference? If we don't, do we risk him getting into one of the schools we really don't want?
Any experts out there please?

I'm not an expert, but if you only put down 2 choices and neither of them offer your dc a place, then the local authority will just assign him a place at any of their schools that has one available. It may well be one of the ones you don't fancy.

IMO it's better to put down a less-objectionable third choice as 'insurance'. Having a place at the third choice wouldn't stop you appealing for a higher preference.

thanks Mrs S. That was kind of what I thought.
I have spaced my family very badly ;)

I would list the OK school on the form as 3rd preference. If you don't list this school,there is a risk that you could be allocated a much worse school if all the schools are oversubscribed.
If you are offered school 3 you can appeal and go on the waiting lists for schools 1 and 2.

Put the third one down. You are massively disadvantaged if you don't, and able to stay on waiting lists and / or appeal for schools 1 and 2 if you do.

I agree with the advice you have already been given.

If you only put down two schools and don't get either of them you could be offered any school. It might be the third school but it could be one of the schools you want to avoid. Putting the third school on the form won't affect your chances of getting into one of the other two schools.

If you don't get into one of your first two preferences you should automatically go on the waiting list for both schools regardless of whether or not you have listed a third preference. Your right to appeal is also not affected by whether or not you list a third preference.

Thank you very much everyone. I should know this stuff (better not say why for fear of outing myself) but wasn't sure.