I might have to give the parish a call tomorrow to see what they say. My DH went to our first preference school as a child, hence our reasons for wanting to get our DD in. His family attended this church on a regular basis when he was younger, but we just havent continued it. Out of the three schools I have applications for they all want this reference. I wish it wasnt so hard!!!
Having a strong family history may be a bonus. I really don't know, but I know even though my parents had nothing to do with our church, the fact that us kids were 3rd generation & that our extended family attended church on a regular basis helped. Also simply that we were baptised Catholic.

Being a practising Catholic gives you a step up. Being Catholic is the next level. Non Catholics, while a certain number have to be accepted, have a lower chance of getting a place than your DD would simply from being baptised Catholic.