Deep Teaching Research

Admissions & chances

Original analysis and evidence reviews on admissions & chances — written to help UK parents decide for themselves.

Choosing a school Admissions & chances 11+ & entrance exams When to apply Academic results & destinations Preparing your child School life & wellbeing UK education explained Deep Teaching Analysis

Admissions & ChancesReference / how-to

How does school-place allocation actually work?

Under the national equal-preference system, every school on your form assesses your application independently, not in order. The local authority then offers you a place at the highest-preference school that has offered you one. Order only decides which of your offers you receive — not whether any specific school offers you.

Evidence: High

2026-08-11 · 8 min read · Deep Teaching Research

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