Secondary School Application

[Jpnush]

Hi,

Been a long time reader of mumsnet info and I'm sure this topic has been covered many times but wanted to check if everything is still the same.

I'm filling in secondary school application for DD and we would like to put No 1 choice as a non catchment school and No 2 as a catchment school. Both schools would suit her one a little bit more than the other. I keep worrying that if I place the catchment school at 2 I weaken my chances and if I don't get 1 which will be borderline if we do get it.

I've read the equal preference rule and it sounds like I would not reduce my chances at the catchment school if we were not to get No 1, but I'm still worried and was hoping some good people could set my mind at ease.

Thank you.

Yes, you should put the fave first, even if a long shot. If you get a place, they offer that. If not then you get the banker. Schools don't know the order you put them so no disadvantage to putting the more likely one second to one you prefer but which is less likely 😁

Always put them in your genuine order or preference.

Ensure one ‘banker’ is on the list somewhere.

Schools aren’t told what number they are on your list. They only say yes or no to a place.

Then you get given the highest ‘yes’ on your list. So it’s vital you put them in genuine order of preference.

order of* preference

Great thank you for confirmation. So I was correct that I will not reduce my chances on the banker school even if its not the 1st choice.

Interesting day in Bucks today, how to pass a few more hours :-)

You are correct, and safe to list the schools in your genuine order of preference.

Schools are not allowed to prioritise those who list them first, they can only make offers in strict accordance with the criteria published in their admissions policy. And ‘people who put us top Preference ‘ is not allowed to be part of that policy.

They are also not allowed to differentiate depending on the borough you live in.

All this is enshrined in law and applies across England.

Great to know, I feel much more assured about my application. Love this forum super amazing advise.