One test can open several school checks
In shared grammar routes such as Kent, Bexley, Buckinghamshire, Slough or CSSE, one test result may allow a child to be considered by more than one school. That can reduce duplicate testing and simplify registration.
It does not mean every school in the area will treat the result in the same way. Schools can still differ on places, priority areas, score use, siblings, pupil premium, distance, and preference order.
Example
A child sits a shared route used by several grammar schools. The result says the child has met the selective standard. The family then needs to decide which of those schools to name on the CAF. The shared result keeps the route open, but the named school policies still decide allocation.
What to check before relying on one test
- The official list of schools covered by the route, using the relevant route guide.
- Whether the result is valid for every school you are considering.
- Whether you must name schools when registering or only on the CAF.
- Whether any school has a second stage.
- Whether your home local authority still needs the CAF by its deadline.
Use one test carefully
A shared test can be efficient, but it can also hide differences between schools. Read the route guidance first, then the school policy for every school you plan to name.