If you only put one preference, you will be allocated that school.
No, you could disadvantage yourself by not using all your preferences. If you only name one, you will only be considered for that school and if you don't get a place, you could be allocated a school far away.
If you name the same school in all five preferences, you are considered five times for that school.
No, this is the same as only naming one school.
Schools will only look at those students who have named them as first preference.
No, schools do not know in which order they have been named. An equal ranking system is used to allocate places.
If I think my preferred school will be oversubscribed, there is no point applying.
You should list your preferences in your preferred order (the order you which you want them considered) as demand for places changes every year.
I am guaranteed a place at my local school even if I don't name it as a preference.
No, you must name your local school if you want to be considered for a place there. If we cannot offer any of your preferences and you have not applied for your local school, it is unlikely you will be offered a place there.
I do not need to apply as I have an older child already attending the school.
No, you do still need to make an application for your younger child to join the school. If you do not, the school’s spaces may be filled with parents who did apply and your child may not be allocated a place.
If you apply late, you will still be allocated one of your choices.
No, if your application is late (or you do not apply) you will be offered a place at the nearest school to your home address that has space available. This may not be your nearest school, or a school of your choice, and you will be responsible for transport costs.