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Original poster

Appeal advice

81 replies

Theworldisfullofidiots · 03/03/2017 09:19

Our Ds didn't get into tge school we wanted and got the second choice. We are going to appeal on a number of grounds and then keep applying.
It is a faith school and his sister already goes. We are going to appeal on a number fo issues and was hoping for some advice from people who have appealed (particularly if you were successful) and anyone who has any knowledge. Thank you!

OP posts:
tiggytape · 03/03/2017 17:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Theworldisfullofidiots · 03/03/2017 16:06

Thanks everyone. I've been careful about what I've put on here as it might out us. The main issue is the ongoing issues with a number of people in current school that will be transferring to allocated school. Picking on him, been going on since year 3. Current school are aware and the impact on him.
We are active in the church. Vicar is also aware of the challenges Ds faces with these children, as I've talked to them about it.
Ds and dd also provide each other with emotional support in relation to this and also my dh's ongoing health condition. (He has a rare neurological condition which is symptomless for the most part but when he has an attack it can be life altering - last time led to loss of job. He is back in work now 😀). We have no local family to provide support and all grandparents have died.
Ds is very good at a particular sport that the school we wanted is very good at. This has helped his confidence.
The school has gone over pan before.

Are we allowed to ask the school for information? Factual stuff, like current school numbers?

OP posts:
ShiningWhit · 03/03/2017 14:00

Check with care that the entrance rules have been applied correctly - this is the easiest way in - you have of course gone onto the waiting list - what number are you - how is this administered?
The sibling is the biggest advantage - you are active in the faith? get letters from them to support you - appeals are hard work - better to spot a mistake that they can correct!

meditrina · 03/03/2017 11:28

The first thing to do is check if they have made a mistake.

  • which entrance category did they put your DS in? Is it the right one?
  • did they reach that category, and if so what was the greatest distance offered?
  • what is your distance from the school? Did they get it right?

(this assumes distance is the tie breaker, not lottery)

tiggytape · 03/03/2017 11:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TeenAndTween · 03/03/2017 11:19

From what I have read here:

  • you are appealing FOR the school you want, not against the school you don't want
  • OFSTED ratings don't count and shouldn't be raised
  • childcare & travel logistics doesn't generally count
  • wanting to be with friends doesn't generally count

What does count is why the school is a better fit for your child and that the prejudice to your child by not attending is bigger than the prejudice to the school having to take an extra pupil.

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