Catchment areas and grammar school places explained

Passing an 11+ test does not always mean a place. Where you live can matter too. Here is how it works.

Three words to know

• Oversubscription criteria: the ranked rules a school uses when more children apply than there are places.
• Catchment or priority area: an area (by postcode, ward or distance) whose children get priority.
• Distance: used to rank children, or to break ties. It is usually measured in a straight line.

Every school is different

• By score only, no catchment: St Olave's, Wilson's, QE Boys.
• Mostly by score: Bexley Grammar gives 180 of its 210 places to the highest scorers, wherever they live.
• Radius: Newstead Wood gives priority to girls within 9 miles; Wallington High School for Girls keeps up to 110 places for girls within 6.7 km.
• Postcodes: Sutton Grammar gives most places to boys in priority postcodes.
• Local area plus open places: Dartford Grammar keeps 130 places for a local priority area and 50 open to anyone.

Always read the school's own admission policy for your year of entry. They can change each year.

Your address

Schools use your child's permanent home address. Councils check addresses and can withdraw a place given on a false address. You cannot use a relative's or childminder's address. If you move after applying, tell your council straight away with proof.

How to apply

• Apply to your home council, even for schools in another borough or county.
• London boroughs allow up to 6 preferences; Kent allows up to 4.
• Schools are not told how you ranked them, so put them in your true order of preference.
• Closing date: 31 October 2026 in London boroughs such as Bromley; Monday 2 November 2026 in Kent.
• National Offer Day: 1 March 2027.

Waiting lists and appeals

Your child goes on the waiting list for schools you ranked higher than the one offered. If you want to appeal, you have at least 20 school days from the decision letter.

Sources: school admission policies 2027-28; Bromley and Kent coordinated schemes; gov.uk school admissions.