Many parents assume "qualifying = a place". For grammar schools in oversubscribed areas, that's only step one — distance, sibling priority and other criteria often decide the actual offer.
The three main allocation models
Model A: rank-only
Places go strictly to the highest-scoring qualifying children. No distance consideration.
Examples: Pate's, KEHS, QEB (mostly).
Implication: live anywhere, but you need a high score.
Model B: distance-only
All qualifiers are equally eligible. Offers go to those living closest.
Examples: Tiffin Schools, Reading School.
Implication: a high score is necessary but distance decides if you actually get in.
Model C: hybrid (most common)
Some places by rank, some by distance, often with sibling priority on top.
Examples: Wilson's, Sutton Grammar, most Kent grammars.
Implication: top-tier scorers always get in; mid-tier scorers depend on geography.
Sibling priority
Most grammar schools give priority to siblings of current pupils. This can be significant — at some schools, 30% of places go to siblings.
Out-of-area applicants
For "distance-from-school" schools, applying when you don't live nearby is usually pointless even with a top score. For "rank-only" schools, geography doesn't matter.
How to plan
- Identify the model each of your target schools uses (check the school's admissions page).
- Look at last year's lowest-offered score and distance — most schools publish this in their FOI responses.
- Be realistic: if you live 8 miles from a "distance-only" school, look at "rank-only" alternatives instead.
Catchment moves: worth it?
Some families move house specifically to be inside a grammar catchment. This works for "distance-only" models but is expensive and disruptive. For "rank-only" models it makes no difference.