Check if your child is likely to get a place
You have the right to name 3 secondary schools you would prefer your child to attend. Your child has no automatic right of entry to any school – the law just states that you have a right to express a preference. It is likely they will be able to attend their catchment school as long as the application deadlines are met. It is always a good idea to include your catchment school as one of your preferred schools -
Check the admission policy and criteria of your preferred schools as they can be different for each school, particularly Aided, Foundation and Faith schools (Hampshire County Council’s admissions policy for community and voluntary controlled secondary schools). If you decide to apply to a school that is popular, check how closely your child meets the criteria as it is possible that not everyone who applies will be offered a place, you will find this information in the school prospectus.
Remember: be realistic – there is no point using all 3 of your preferences where you may not be offered a place. If you don’t put your catchment school.as one of your preferences, you may be responsible for organising and paying for your child’s transport to and from school.