Why location can matter
Many grammar schools receive more qualifying children than they have places. When that happens, they rank applicants by their published admissions criteria, which often include catchment areas, straight line distance or feeder links. A child can meet the academic standard and still miss a place that goes to families living closer.
Check the real criteria
Admissions rules vary by school and can change year to year. Read each school current admissions policy rather than relying on hearsay, and look at how far the last offers reached in recent years to get a realistic sense of distance.
Some schools prioritise distance, others use a wider catchment or give weight to siblings or specific primary schools, so the detail matters.
Thinking about moving
Moving closer to a school is a big decision and not a guarantee, because cut off distances move each year with demand. If you are considering it, look at several schools rather than pinning everything on one, factor in the cost and disruption, and keep a strong non selective option as a backup.
See where your child stands
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