How to fill in the CAF: the secondary school application form

Getting your child's 11+ result is only half the job. The other half is the Common Application Form (CAF). This is the form that asks for a place at a state secondary school, including grammar schools. This guide explains how it works for September 2027 entry, in plain English.

1. What is the CAF?

The CAF is the official form for a place at a state-funded secondary school. You fill it in with your home council, the council for the address where your child lives. This is true even when the school is in another borough or county.

For example, a family in Orpington applies through Bromley Council, even for schools in Kent, Bexley or Sutton.

Signing up for an 11+ test is a separate step. Sitting or passing a test does not put a school on your CAF. You must still list it.

2. How many schools can you list?

• London boroughs (for example Bromley, Bexley and Sutton): up to 6 schools.
• Kent: up to 4 schools.

You can list schools outside your council area on the same form. Only list schools you would really be happy for your child to go to.

3. How the ranking works (the "equal preference" system)

Each school looks at your application using its own rules. Schools are not told where you ranked them. If your child could get a place at more than one school on your list, your council offers the one you ranked highest.

Example: you list St Olave's 1st, Dartford Grammar 2nd and Beths 3rd. Your child could get a place at Dartford Grammar and Beths, but not St Olave's. You are offered Dartford Grammar, because it was higher on your list. Putting St Olave's first did not hurt your chances at the others.

So: put the schools in your true order of preference. Do not move your favourite school down the list because you think it is hard to get into.

4. A pass is not a place

A "pass" or "qualifying score" usually means your child can be considered. It does not promise an offer. When a school has more applicants than places, it uses its own rules (called oversubscription criteria). These can include the test score, how far you live from the school, a priority area and other groups set out in its policy.

• Bexley: the 180 children with the highest scores in the Bexley test are guaranteed a place at their preferred Bexley grammar school. For everyone else, each school's own rules decide, and distance can matter.
• Kent: being assessed as suitable for grammar school does not guarantee a place at any particular Kent grammar school. Each school has its own rules.
• Sutton: the first stage of the Sutton test decides who can sit the second stage. It is not an offer.

Not sure how far you are from each school? Use our free catchment and distance checker. It measures in a straight line from your postcode, like most schools do. It is a guide only: each school's own policy and your council decide who gets a place.

5. Always add a safe choice

Think about listing at least one good non-selective school where your child has a real chance of a place. If none of your listed schools can offer a place, the council will offer a school that still has space. That may not be a school you would have chosen.

Adding a safe school lower on your list does not harm your chances at the grammar schools above it.

6. Extra forms and later tests

Some schools also ask for a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) or other evidence, for example for faith or other priority groups. These do not replace the CAF. Check each school's admissions page and its own deadline.

If a second-stage test or result comes after the CAF closing date, follow the school's instructions and still send your CAF on time. Do not wait for the result and miss the deadline.

7. Filling in the form: a simple checklist

1. Sign in to your home council's online application (London families use the eAdmissions website).
2. Enter your child's full name, date of birth, current school and home address carefully.
3. Choose your schools, including any outside your council area.
4. Put them in your true order of preference.
5. Send any supporting documents and fill in any separate school forms.
6. Check every entry, press submit, and keep the confirmation email and reference number.

8. Common mistakes to avoid

• Listing only one grammar school, thinking it makes the application stronger. It does not.
• Putting a less-wanted school first because it feels "safer".
• Thinking a pass means a place.
• Forgetting a supplementary form or a separate test.
• Saving the form but never pressing submit.
• Using an address that is not your child's real, permanent home. Councils check, and can take a place away.

9. National Offer Day

On 1 March 2027 your council sends one offer, even if your child could have had a place at several schools. If it is not the school you wanted most, read the letter carefully. It explains how to accept, how waiting lists work and how to appeal. Accepting the place you are offered does not stop you staying on a waiting list or appealing for another school.

Quick questions

Can a Bromley family apply to a Kent grammar school? Yes. List it on your Bromley form and meet the school's own rules, including its test.

Should I put my favourite school first even if the score is uncertain? Yes. Rank schools in your true order. The schools lower down still look at your application under their own rules.

Does the CAF include independent schools? No. Independent (fee-paying) schools have their own separate applications. See our independent schools guide.

Can I change my list after sending it? It depends on your council and whether the closing date has passed. Check your council's instructions.

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Useful official links

• London eAdmissions (applying online in London)
• Bromley Council · Bexley Council · Sutton Council · Kent County Council
• gov.uk: school admissions

See also: 11+ key dates · catchment areas explained · school-by-school guides · catchment checker.

Sources: London and Kent coordinated admission schemes for September 2027; Bexley Grammar School admission policy 2027-28; gov.uk school admissions. Checked 26 September 2026. This guide is for September 2027 entry; your council and each school's published rules are the final word.