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Original poster

Secondary school response to appeal

28 replies

Mum52016 · 23/05/2018 20:13

Hi

Firstly, thank you to everyone who has helped me.

I have been given a date for our appeal but am slightly confused. As far as I know, there are around 10 appeals taking place but from the details it appears that it's stage 2 of the appeal. From what I have read, I thought it would be stage 1 for school's case and stage 2 for individual cases. Is it usual for an academy school present its case individually to each appeal?

I have received the school's response to our appeal. They have detailed the admissions criteria and explained how the application was processed and what criteria DS was placed it etc and in two lines stated that it would prejudice the provision of efficient education or efficient use of resources. Is that their whole case?

I have emailed the school directly 4-5 times over the last 2 months with no response to the questions I have been asking regarding PAN and Year group numbers for the last few years. When I leave messages for callbacks, nothing.

The LA seem just as incompetent as they have not responded to a single email I have sent since around 2nd March and every time I call them, they can't answer any of my questions and promises for callback are non existent.

What would do I need to do now?

OP posts:
Original poster
Mum52016 · 24/05/2018 16:15

Thank you for your replies.

@PanelChair - that's good to know. From what I have read on the forums I assumed it would be a 2 stage process.

I was also expecting them to give a detailed statement for their case about PAN and was quite surprised that that was all they had put without any further explanation.

I didn't put anything in my appeals statement about PAN/admissions. Should I respond to their appeal statement via the panel with the information/evidence I have already with regards to PAN and admissions criteria? Again from the information I have found on here advises to present all information/evidence in advance of the appeal?

At this stage is it a case of writing back and forward via the appeal panel with points and counterpoints?

Or would I need to built a case against them to present on the day?

OP posts:
prh47bridge · 24/05/2018 08:39

That should be the school's entire case. If they try to add anything on the day you should object, particularly if they try to introduce additional documentary evidence. If they haven't explained how they will be prejudiced by the admission of additional pupils it should be regarded as a very weak case by the panel.

As PanelChair says, point out that they have failed to answer your questions and that this has hampered your ability to prepare for the appeal. However, it would be better if you can get answers. Remind the school that the Appeals Code requires them to answer any questions you ask to help you prepare for your appeal.

PanelChair · 24/05/2018 07:37

Yes, it’s quite common for there not to be a separate stage 1 - in my LEA, each appeal is self-contained and (in my view) that works better than having a group stage 1, which can become a free for all with parents talking over each other.

As for the school’s case, it seems to be (essentially) that they’re reached the PAN and are full. Keep pushing for answers to your questions but, if they don’t reply, ask them on the day and point out to the panel that your emails went unanswered. If all the school can say is that they don’t have capacity - without providing a detailed breakdown of numbers or evidence of problems from (say) overcrowding - the panel might think that their case is weak. It’s then open to you to present a stronger case for why your child needs a place.

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