Tackling the primary school admissions process? How to get your child into your preferred school

Choosing a school for your little ones can be a stressful process - especially when you know that places in your establishment of choice are scarce.

Mumsnet has enlisted the help of experienced parents to share advice and debunk the 'school gate myths' which might hinder your progress.

1. Decide what your priorities are

Are you looking for a faith school? Does your child have any medical or special educational needs? Is your child 'looked after' or adopted from care? If so, look at specific schools you like - irrespective of distance - and apply under those criteria if you seem eligible.

Health needs will have to be verified by a health professional who will confirm that a certain school is best placed to support them.

2. Focus on schools within easy reach

Schools generally select pupils according to distance, so concentrate on schools reasonably near your home (unless you're applying under any of the criteria above).

3. Do your research

Read the Ofsted reports and the policies on the school websites, and arrange a visit too.

Mumsnetters also recommend talking to parents of children already attending the school - they may offer a different perspective to Ofsted. Ask advice from families in the area through your Mumsnet Local site.

4. Be realistic

You don't get a 'choice' - you express a preference.

5. Make sure your list reflects your real preferences

List the schools in your genuine order of preference. This is important: of all the schools on your list that could give you a place according to their admission criteria, the LA will allocate you the one which is highest up your list.

They will then automatically put you on the waiting list for every school which is higher up your list than the one allocated. It means you can list schools which you would love, but have a slight chance of getting into - you may strike lucky and get that place.

If not, you'll get a place at your nearest school. Listing other schools higher up does not disadvantage you.

6. Have a 'safe bet'

Gauge your chances of getting a place according to the admissions criteria and choose one school to give as a fallback - make sure it is a school that you are actually likely to get a place at.

With luck this will also be one of your top preferences, but it may be your last preference. If you don't do this and your other choices are over-subscribed, the education authority may offer you a school which you like less.

7. On National Offer Day, accept whatever school is allocated

If you turn a place down, you may end up with a school which is further away, or with no place at all. Accepting the place does not affect your chances of a waiting list place in any other school, and after National Offer Day you can go on the waiting list for as many schools as you like.