Rules for secondary intake: siblings, catchment area etc

[NoMoreNagging]

Are there any general rules or laws about intake for secondary? I know alot of schools will say siblings have first choice and then catchment area dc should be next or am I wrong?

I'm wondering about appeals because I'm maybe going to have to appeal as we've just moved to the area but the other appeals are all people outside catchment area so how do you think my chances of getting in are? Ds's sister is younger but she'll get in to the great secondary school automatically in 2 years as all teh primary school dc get in from that primary. Ds is now accepted to join the primary until the end of summer term and should go to secondary in September.

It's usually: Looked-after children and SEN; then siblings; then catchment/nearest to school. However, you need to check the admission rules for your LEA. Your LEA should also have info on how many applicants to each school etc.

Hi, thanks for that tip, I didn't think to look on the LEA. I have to try and put my case over now so I'm up early composing a letter!

It could also depend on the specific school, even in the same area, so worth checking the school website too.

They vary slightly to include:

1. Feeder school
2. SEN/Children in local authority care
3. Sibling
4. Catchment
5. Exceptional circumstances

Church schools are usually slightly different to include church attendance.

If you live really near the school, I think you're in with a good chance. While DS4 was on the waiting list for our local school, we were told that people who applied later could leapfrog him on the waiting list if they matched the criteria for selection more closely (in effect that meant if they were a looked after child, had a statement, or moved nearer to the school than us)siblings was also on the list, but DS3 is at the school, so we ticked that box!