Common Application Form - c'mon, you're all meant to be filling it in RIGHT NOW - why do they ask for "Reason for preference"?

[Fauve]

We think Reason for Preference will only become relevant if things go to appeal - presumably your case will be stronger if you can say that you stated the compelling reason on your Common Application Form. Has anyone asked their LEA?

Hey, Sam - great idea, it looks good! Just one problem, though - the menu options are all half-way off the left-hand edge of my screen and I can't rectify the problem. Do you need to look at the formatting?

This whole thing is driving me mad! Ds has passed both the different County Selective tests he took(and yes, I'm very proud of him), but I've yet to see the two schools out of area as they are tomorrow(Weds)and Thursday and our CAF has to be submitted by Friday 24th, so not even a day to make a final choice! it seems like madness and badly timed!

Janinlondon, you do usurp someone who has it as first choice, or at least you're on an equal footing with them, AFAIK.

I just can't push that Submit button. I know I won't do it till the Friday deadline.

BTW I was told not to put derogatory things about your lower choices in the Reasons for Preference boxes - because the school will see them. So don't put eg "I know it's a cr*p school but what choice have I got?" - unless of course you're sending a clear message to them to pull their socks up.

[sings tunelessly] "Push the button and let me know..."

go on push that button - I did it last week such a relief when its done

Good luck ladies especially those in SE London its a blinking lottery

hey Cory you talking about Charters the most loved school in South East London ?

OMG dh has pushed the button. And, miracle of miracles, we can still change it, even now! The wonders of the worldwide web...

Fauve well at least someone pushed it - its done now - dont think we can change after 24th October - only address details etc

Good Luck x

It's really depressing! I just keep thinking 'am I making the right choices for Ds'. Ds is adamant he wants to go to a certain school and I keep thinking he'll get his 3rd choice which is just soooo not him(or me if I'm honest). He's a sensitive boy and I can't see him getting on with choice 3 at all... it's such a tough decision to make.

I'm glad it's done. It does feel kind of remote, Batters. Actually we were chivvied by our primary to push the button - apparently last year the system crashed because of every submitting in sychrony.

Since posting on this thread dd2 has scraped through the 11 plus. And so now, my list has changed, twice, at least.
First it went
Grammar 1.6 miles away
Grammar in next town
Grammar in next town
Performing Arts Girls

Then I hit submit and regretted it.
So have changed it to
Grammar 1.6 miles away
Grammar Next town
Performing Arts Girls
Mixed Comp in Next Town.

Not going to change it again.
Have to wait till MARCH 2009 to find out.
Anyone hear an earlier than that?
Its going to be a long wait.

Argh Christie. Its torture isnt it.
Your dd was sitting a load wasnt she. Do you get offered a place at all she passes then choose, or only the first preference? This is a nightmare.
And then dd2 is going to feel under HUGE pressure to pass as well Argh

OUCH At least she has two chances What are your alternatives/chances?

I'm submitting today. I think we will get our first choice because we only live .9 of a mile door to door and the catchment is usually about 1.5 mile. Also whilst technically oversubscribed it isn't a hugely over subscribed school like some others here in South East London. It felt such a pointless exercise filling all 6 places on the form...but I've been told that if you don't fill up the form the authority will just fill it for you with the local sink school.

Just submitted my third version...can't stop tinkering as long as they let me. But broadly it's done, hooray!

You only put down one batters? I put down all 6 and pressed submit last week, well, a couple of weeks ago and then changed it again last week.

Terrifying. Here we go!

Are you applying to independent schools as well? I am being very nosey, apols. It's just that we're doing the exact opposite and applying nearly everywhere so am curious!