Admissions Appeal Advice

[Sonnyjoe14]

Hi All,
Currently appealing for an in year place for yr3.
Moved to a new village at Christmas and no spaces at local school. My youngest has got into Reception (starting Sept) but no spaces for eldest son in Yr3 hence the appeal. He is currently 1st on list.
Our appeal is based on sibling and nearest school rule. We are happy with his current school its just over 6 miles away and would like both boys to attend same school. All his cousins attend this school and we have made friends in our street, so want him to experience local school life. Also it will be a nightmare getting both to school everyday.
Current class is already at 32 kids so we know its full.
Our appeal is being held on 24th June any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[prh47bridge]

Strengthen your case! Siblings and nearest school is a very weak case. You need to convince the appeal panel that the disadvantage to your son from not being admitted outweighs any problems the school will face through having to cope with an additional pupil. To do that, you should identify things this school offers that are missing from his current school and that are particularly relevant to him. For example, if he is musically talented and this school has more extracurricular musical activities that is something you should mention.

Wanting to be at the same school as his sibling is only likely to convince the appeal panel if there is evidence from professionals saying that he has a much greater need than other children to be with siblings. Similarly, unless he has some condition that makes getting to school difficult, the fact this is the nearest school won't carry any weight.

[AlunWynsKnee]

Did you apply for a reception place at the school your older ds goes to? Would have sorted the different school issue.

[Birdsfoottrefoil]

On the other hand you should now be entitled to transport to your current school (unless you have been offered a different closer one)

[Sonnyjoe14]

Thank you for your advice