Oneoftwothings wrote:
From when we were applying for schools for DS, the information seemed to be that the selective places are just a way of getting in if you wouldn’t via another way (eg catchment). Everything I saw indicated that they are set as normal once they start, whether they got in on a selective place or otherwise - no special treatment.
This is right answer from what I understand too.
The surrounding area/catchment does not provide enough students to fill all the schools places. Rather than take any pupil, the school 'select' some. I'm sure someone with more knowledge will be along shortly.