Tiggytape, prh47bridge, admission, anyone - Possible to appeal against a secondary school that we believe has unfair admission criteria?

[Metrobaby]

Our first choice secondary is a Catholic school, which we didn't get. I'd like to appeal on two points of their admission criteria which I think is unfair, and one area that I believe is flawed. These particular admission criteria are not shared by other Catholic schools.

AS well as appealing on the grounds of why I think that school is suitable for our son, can I also question their admission criteria?

[prh47bridge]

As Tiggytape says you can appeal on the basis that the admission arrangements are in breach of the Admissions Code or relevant law. It is not entirely unknown for admission authorities to set oversubscription criteria that are in breach but more common amongst schools that are their own admission authority (which this school will be).

If you would like to post their admission criteria and say what you think is wrong with them I will happily give an opinion. If you would prefer, feel free to PM me with the name and LA of the school concerned.

[Metrobaby]

tiggytape and prh47bridge - thank you for your prompt replies. I don't feel comfortable naming the school here but will PM you with more details.

[admission]

I agree with what has been said by others. It is a difficult decision for any appeal panel when parents are saying that the admission criteria are incorrect. They might well agree with you in many respects but as PRH and tiggy have said the admission criteria might well be lawful just unfair. In those cases the panel will have no alternative but to reject the appeal, as long as it is lawful it is allowed.
I suppose what I am trying to say is that I am more than happy to look at the admission criteria and express a view. But if it is lawful whilst unfair, you may well be better employed in appealing based on good reasons for your child to go to the school. I have seen too many appeals where everything is focused on something which is unlikely to be successful, rather than the obvious reasons for appeal. As a panel we have to make decisions based on the evidence put before us, not what might have been if presented in a different manner.
Please PM the school and LA if you want a further opinion.