“We live close to the school” is not the same as “we are eligible for a place”. Catchment, distance and academic selection are different parts of a grammar school’s admissions policy. Here is how to read them for 2028 entry.
A catchment does not equal an offer
Some schools reserve priority for children living inside a defined area, some have an inner and outer zone, and others use different rules. A catchment may apply after a child meets the qualifying entrance-test score. Being in area may improve priority without removing the need to qualify. An out-of-area applicant may still be eligible at some schools, but placed after higher-priority groups.
Never assume that the nearest grammar school uses the same policy as the next one. A school may use score ranking, distance, priority to disadvantaged applicants, or combinations of criteria. Read the order of the numbered oversubscription criteria.
Which address and when?
Most schools define a child’s normal home address and ask for supporting evidence. Pay attention to a policy’s cut-off date, how shared care is handled, and the rules for a house move. An address entered on an online form may not be the address considered for admissions if the family has moved after the published deadline.
Example with a published 2028 rule: Buckinghamshire Council says 1 September 2027 is the home-address cut-off for most Buckinghamshire grammar schools in the main allocation, but warns that some schools use earlier dates. That is not a national rule.
How to check your real options
- Find the specific school’s determined 2028 admission arrangements.
- Find the official catchment map or address checker, rather than guessing from a postcode.
- Record the required entrance-test score and whether places are ranked further by score or priority.
- Read the address evidence section and note each relevant date.
- Compare previous years’ offer distances only as historical context; they are not a guarantee for 2028.
What about siblings, pupil premium and other priorities?
Different schools may specify different groups and evidence. England’s School Admissions Code requires particular arrangements for looked-after and previously looked-after children, and there are separate statutory provisions for children with an education, health and care plan naming a school. A school may also set priorities for other defined groups within the limits of the law. Do not assume a sibling or priority category automatically overrides academic selection: check the policy.
A sensible plan for 2028
Make a realistic shortlist and include non-selective schools you would be happy with. Focus on the published criteria rather than trying to predict a borderline score or last-offered distance. Confirm any address-related question directly with the school or admission authority in writing.