Do first choices matter?

[streathammum]

Just to clarify, this is how I think the choices generally go in Bexley:

For your first/second choices you put your pie in sky ones. This might be the Dartford Grammars because of the high scores required or Bexley Grammar which has a smaller catchment area. Or St Olaves because it's super selective etc.
The you put your more realistic choices which are Beths, Townley, Chis and Sid, which have the larger catchment areas and probably Wilmington in there too.
Then if you have a 6th choice left you put in your local comprehensive.

If you don't get in your pie in the sky choices then generally if you live in Bexley you have a good chance of getting Beths and Townley.

Just put them in your genuine order of preference. If your pie in the sky option is also your preferred option then yes, put it first.

Also make sure you include a school you're confident you will get and will be relatively happy with. If this is your least preferred school, put it at the bottom of the form.