How to rank Foundation Schools
Ranking 18 Foundation Schools without knowing your computer-generated rank is daunting. Under Preference Informed Allocation (PIA), how should you order your list?
1. Rank in genuine order of preference
The single most robust advice for the PIA algorithm is to rank the schools in the exact order you actually want to go to them. Do not try to "game" the system by putting a less-desired, lower-competition school first simply because you think it is a safer bet.
If you put a safe school first, and you happen to get a great computer-generated rank, you will be given that safe school—even though you could have secured your genuine first choice. The algorithm will never look at your lower preferences if your first choice is available.
2. Be realistic about your second and third choices
While your first choice should always be your genuine dream location, you need to be strategic about what comes next. Because of the two-pass allocation process, highly competitive schools (like London) almost always fill completely during Pass 1.
If your first choice is London and your second choice is Severn (another historically oversubscribed school), you are taking a risk. If you miss out on London in Pass 1, Severn will likely already be full by the time the computer looks at your second choice in Pass 2. You will then drop further down your list.
A sensible strategy is to ensure your upper-middle preferences (choices 2 through 5) include schools with historical competition ratios below 1.0, to act as a realistic safety net if you miss your highly competitive top choice.
3. The bottom of your list matters
Do not simply alphabetize or randomize the bottom of your list. If you draw a very low computer-generated rank, your top 10 choices might all be full by the time the algorithm reaches you in Pass 2. The difference between your 15th and 18th choices could become the reality of where you live and work for two years. Think carefully about where you would least mind being sent.
4. Consider geography and lifestyle
Foundation Schools cover vast geographical areas. Review the regions associated with each school. Consider living costs, proximity to support networks, and transport links, as you may be placed anywhere within that school's boundary.