You receive the allocation outcome
National Offer Day is when the coordinated admissions process turns your CAF preferences into an actual offer. If the result is not the school you hoped for, read the offer day and waiting lists guide before deciding what to do next.
For secondary admissions, offers are normally sent by the local authority. If a grammar school could not offer, the allocation moves to the next preference that can offer. If none of your named schools can offer, the local authority must provide another school place.
Example
A family names a grammar school first, a second grammar school second, and two local schools after that. On National Offer Day they may receive the highest preference that can offer under the rules. If neither grammar school can offer, a lower preference may still be offered.
What to do that day
- Read the offer letter before reacting.
- Accept the offered place by the stated deadline unless official guidance says otherwise.
- Check whether waiting lists are automatic or need a request.
- Note appeal deadlines for any school that refused a place.
- Keep the result letter and offer correspondence together.
Do not let disappointment create a missed deadline
If the offer is not the school you hoped for, the next steps are waiting lists, appeal rights and sometimes late movement. Keep the allocated place secure while you follow the published process for preferred schools.