Appealing on anxiety grounds - advice please!

Of course the appeal panel will want every child to be safe, but what you would be saying (in effect) is that no child should be expected to go to the allocated school because it’s in a high crime area. The reason that won’t get you very far at appeal is because it’s an argument against the allocated school and you need to be making arguments in favour of the preferred school. In addition, it’s not clear that this applies to your child any more than it does to other children, including the hundreds already attending the school. So, mention this if you feel strongly about it but don’t make it the main plank of your appeal.

You could always make an appointment now with the GP if her anxiety isn’t bad at present, explaining all the issues and worries so it’s documented. Then if you need further appointments as her anxiety is getting worse be sure to take her back so that it is documented.

I would focus on the anxiety and computer science/robotics points. I can understand your concern about personal safety, but the LEA is likely to take the line that the allocated school is an acceptable school, suitable to provide an education, and (presumably) the police are aware of local crime issues. Besides, you need to frame your arguments for the preferred school, not against the allocated school, so by all means mention this but don’t make it your main argument. Likewise, don’t dwell on the point about “as the crow flies” because that’s part of the admission arrangements and the panel can’t set it aside for one child. Mention it if you wish, but again don’t make it your main argument.

Definitely worth appealing but the anxiety grounds on itself without a medical diagnosis is weak. I work with children and I rarely meet any that wouldn't feel upset/ worried/ anxious about going to a different school from their friends. It's a normal emotion to have in these circumstances and I would re-frame it as such.

As a parent I too would be upset if I was in your position but given that it is unlikely that your appeal will be upheld (ime) I would try and support her to look at the positives and speak to the new school early on. They often have good transition plans and some schools offer activities over the summer where she could meet new friends. They may also set her up with a buddy to help in those early days.

Good luck and I hope it goes well. You probably have a better chance through the waiting list as people usually drop off it.

The good news is that it sounds as if you have an excellent chance via waiting lists.

For the appeal, her interest in computer science and robotics is strong as long as you can demonstrate her activity hand involvement. Does she do her own stuff at home? Go to a club? What!

Ditto her anxiety. The thing here is that you need evidence not just that she suffers/ has suffered anxiety but that being with her friends has helped her to manage it.

The personal safety approach seems weak in appeal terms. Zillions of Yr7s start schools where they travel alone before they get to know people and many schools are in areas where phones get nicked etc.

The admissions process is based on upholding the published admissions criteria. They can’t start changing their own rules within an admissions year and ignore their distance policy. It would set a precedent that could cause no end of difficult. You might allude to it being unfortunate that the policy has left her in an a different position to her close friends in support of the anxiety case, but I can’t see it as the way to win on its own merits.

And yes, it is certainly worth identifying aspects of the preferred school - like the media and robotics provision - that match your daughter’s interests (especially if you can back that up by mentioning that she’s already involved in similar after school clubs or whatever).

This does sound tricky, because you’re in effect arguing that your daughter has a social/medical need for a place at this school and, for that, the panel will expect to see evidence from appropriate professionals. A letter from the primary school will probably (depending on the panel’s view) carry less weight, not least because headteachers are usually discouraged from weighing in to appeals. The issue here is keeping primary school friends together is not part of the admissions arrangements or oversubscription criteria so you need to present evidence of why it’s necessary and appropriate in your daughter’s case.

There is hope, although much will depend on what evidence you can submit from health care professionals. The panel will be looking for a statement that says clearly that in the health care professional’s opinion your DD is suffering from anxiety and will be helped by staying with her friends. Otherwise, statements from parents saying that their child wants to attend the same school is their friends carry little weight.

What else is there about the school - curriculum, clubs, pastoral care, whatever - that makes it a better fit for your DD?