Can we update the order of preferences in the CAF form?

[RajKumar]

Hello,

My DD has written 11+ exams in September 2021. We are not in the catchment of any grammar schools, so we need to depend on the outer catchement seats. So, we may end up moving to a catchement area at certain point of time, if we fail to get the seat in the initial allocation.

After the relocation, our order of preferences of schools may change. This is due to the location where we move or chances of getting the seat. Does the school approve the preference changes in CAF at later date?

Thanks.

[PettswoodFiona]

You can't change the order of your preference in usual years without it being considered a late application, there may be some LAs that are an exception to this rule. Some LA's allowed changes last year when results came out after the CAF submission date, but unlikely to be repeated as last year was unique.

In most instances it is best to leave your form as it is and then after offer day put in a request for a place at a preferred school (or one further down your list if you got offered your previous number 1 or higher spot) and you often then you are considered in the second round and treated similarly to late applications anyway. If it is grammar school and you meet the admissions requirements you can often find yourself top of a waiting list and get a place fairly quickly through re-allocation.

[PettswoodFiona]

I emphasise 'meet the admissions requirements' as some regions require residence a long while before the test for example and moving will make no difference.

[RajKumar]

Appreciated your inputs, thanks a lot