Backup is not pessimism
Grammar school admissions are uncertain until the offer is made. A child may not qualify, may qualify but be too far away, or may be behind others under the school’s policy.
A realistic non-selective preference protects against a thin CAF.
Example
A family names four grammar schools that all have uncertain admissions prospects. If none can offer and no realistic local school is named, the local authority must still offer a place somewhere, but it may not be a school the family chose.
What to check
- Local schools you would genuinely accept.
- Distance or catchment rules for those schools.
- Whether all CAF preferences have been used.
- Whether the grammar schools are realistic under current policies.
- The daily journey for every named school.
Use every preference carefully
Ambitious grammar preferences and realistic local options can sit on the same CAF. The order should reflect preference, not fear.