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Parenting

Appealing school decision

11 replies

S2b16 · 03/03/2015 21:29

Hi not sure if this is right place to post but I was wondering if someone knew how appealing against a school decision works.
We had to pick 3 secondary schools to start in sept. Anyway my dd was given none of her choices. The school she was given is terrible, I've had dealings with them as my sister went there.
Anyway I've appealed directly to schools we wanted and have spoken to admissions dept at local authority to ask what happens if I don't win appeal, they said dd would be placed in different school (equally bad). She is a fantastic student, predicted all 5s if not 6s in her sats. I dont want her going to a bad school.
The school we chose is in our catchment area and we've bought our house here for the reason of it being a fab school. All her friends have got in, some didnt even want that school. I don't understand how they select kids for school. Anyone ever won or lost an appeal and like to share experience? Thank you in advance x

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littlebillie · 03/03/2015 22:14

I feel for you it is very worrying. I would try local Mumsnet or FB for local advice. I had a few contacts for a friend this week who is in the same position as you. FB really helped her good luck

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TranquilityofSolitude · 03/03/2015 22:18

You need to ask MN to move this to the Secondary Education board. There are other appeals threads there and experts who can help you.

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GiddyOnZackHunt · 03/03/2015 22:20

When did you move into the catchment area?
Have they definitely used the right address?
When you say some didn't want that school do you mean they didn't put it down at all or just not as their first choice?
Do they live nearer or further away than you from the school?

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S2b16 · 03/03/2015 22:38

I've lived here 8 years, live a few doors from my friend who's daughter got in and was her 3rd choice. From what I can work out via dd talking to her friends and fb, only 2 children weren't given any of their choices, mine being one of them. I've looked online and know the route I have to go down. Know I can home school her until a place becomes available but this isn't ideal and is expensive, my mam teaches 16-19 year olds and I have only a levels so would require a home tutor (last resort). I'm just really worried we don't have a school by sept. I will consider schools out of my choices but the one they've gave her is truely awful. There's another one with spaces but would mean her getting two buses once I'm back at work (I'll be on maternity from May), thank you all so much.

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meditrina · 03/03/2015 22:39

"I don't understand how they select kids for school"

All schools must publish their oversubscription criterial. These should be in the school's website or that of LEA. It often comes down to distance from school gates. Have you received your individual letter explaining why you did not secure a place? What did it say in terms of priority category your DD was placed in? Does the distance from the school look right?

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GiddyOnZackHunt · 03/03/2015 22:57

Does sound odd. You need the letter explaining the decision.

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TranquilityofSolitude · 04/03/2015 07:02

Have you seen this thread?

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/secondary/2321241-Have-not-been-offered-any-of-out-preferred-schools-help

The circumstances sound quite similar. Reading through it it looks as if you need to accept the place you have and make sure you are on the waiting lists for the schools you want (you might be near the top if one of your neighbours has a place?).

I think the best case would be that there has been a mistake and that it can be rectified without having to go to appeal.

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JugglingLife · 04/03/2015 07:13

Hi S2b, I am the OP from the post that tranquility mentions above, head on over there, some wonderful advice is coming through. Feel free to PM me as well. Good luck.

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S2b16 · 04/03/2015 07:21

Thank you. Yes I've said I'll wait on list or if they can find her a better school than the one offered she can have a look around etc. Ill head over that thread once I get in from work, thank you so much, x

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PumpkinPie2013 · 05/03/2015 11:18

Sorry to hear your dd didn't get the school place you wanted

Definitely get on the waiting list for the preferred school as there can be a lot of change as offers are accepted/refused and appeals happen.

It's worth a go at appeal.

You mention a school with places that is two buses away - could your dd start there in September with a view to moving when a place becomes available in the other school? I know 2 buses isn't ideal but it it might be better than the school offered or home education.

Good luck - I hope you get sorted.

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S2b16 · 05/03/2015 13:42

Thank you, I have appealed so is just a waiting game. We have spoken about her starting a different school to a view of moving if a place becomes available. That is what's likely to offer, but I'm praying she doesn't have too as isn't the most confident of children. Hoping it's sorted out before May/june time so we can prepare for wherever she's going. Thank you x