Reasons for Prefences

[Curious123]

On our LEA form for the Sandwell MBC there is box to fill which is asking about reasons for prefences. Five of my first prefences are all grammar schools and the last prefernce is for our local comprehensive in case all else fails. What should I be entering in these boxes as I do not want to insert a anything that may harm my son's chances of admission to that particular school? Many thanks.

[hermanmunster]

I don't think you HAVE to put anything in if you don't want - it may different if you want single gender school or sports specialism if that is appropriate.

[Etienne]

I agree - the box is there because the law says you must have the opportunity to give reasons for your preference.

It won't do any harm to give reasons, though.

It could even be important if the information is relevant to where you would be ranked under the oversubscription criteria - although there might well be separate sections on the form to deal with that sort of information.

Just one caution. If you finish up at an appeal, and a copy of the CAF happens to be in the appeal papers (it may or may not be included). it might look rather odd if you start giving all sorts of reasons for wanting a place at the school you're appealing for - but you never mentioned any of them when applying!

[Curious123]

You have all given me some food for thought, thank you.