Common Application Form

[Stina]

Hi,
I have been advised that if we put in the name of just one of the grammar schools in Bucks on the Common Application Form- my DS would be eligible for all the Bucks Grammar schools should he qualify via 11+? is this correct?

Thanks.

[scary mum]

No that isn't correct. Your DC will only be considered for the schools you put on the CAF - they can't be expected to know you want other schools as well. Passing the 11 plus qualifies you for a place, but you must put them on the CAF in your genuine order of preference. Always put a school you know you can get somewhere on the form & check the allocation distances from previous years. They may change but will give you an idea.

[Stina]

Thank you @scary mum.
It makes complete sense what you are saying.
However, this was advice given to us by a teacher at his tuitions ( giving all the parents guidance about the 11+ application procedure). The rationale was that Bucks only has selective schools and so giving the name of one school opens up the application process to all the Grammar schools based on catchment area/ distance.
So we are now thoroughly confused...
I guess, I will try and contact someone at the Buckinghamshire council school admissions office to ask as well.

[hermanmunster]

Stina: This is from the Bucks website:

Important information for Buckinghamshire residents
If we can’t offer any of your preferences, we try to offer a place at the nearest Buckinghamshire school. This may not be your catchment school. If your child is qualified for grammar school, we will try to offer a place at the nearest Buckinghamshire grammar school. However, in recent years this has not been possible as all grammar schools have been full on 1 March. This is why it is sensible to not just include Buckinghamshire grammar schools on your application.

If your child has not qualified, we will not automatically allocate a Buckinghamshire upper/all-ability school unless you have listed one on your application.

We do not assume that you want an upper/all-ability school. You may be sending your child to an independent school if they do not qualify.

[Tinkers]

I suspect what they might mean is taking (and qualifying) the Bucks test, in theory, allows you to apply for any Bucks GS.

However, as pointed out, Bucks schools work on catchment/distance, so qualifying doesn’t mean you’ll get a place.