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Original poster

Appealing for a secondary school place

61 replies

Choccyaddict4eva · 24/03/2021 13:51

Hi everyone. I’m looking for those who have had first hand experience in appealing for a secondary school place. DS1 didn’t get his first choice, he got his third choice. Still a good school, but he and I would have rather he got into the first choice- it’s also closer. He doesn’t have any physical or mental needs which I know gives children more priority. On the appeals form I can list up to 5/6 reasons stating why I think my son should be given a place at that particular school. Has anyone been through this process and been successful? Thanks in advance

OP posts:
Original poster
Choccyaddict4eva · 25/03/2021 14:52

@PanelChair

On the whole, panels don’t expect documentary evidence of every point you’re making, but if you’ve got evidence (say) of his studies in history or philosophy that will add weight, because (say) having done a children’s workshop at the local museum or university takes you beyond the sort of vague statement that “my child is interested in philosophy” that panels often hear.
Thank you, I will have a look through some things which he has completed that I could possibly add.
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PanelChair · 25/03/2021 12:16

On the whole, panels don’t expect documentary evidence of every point you’re making, but if you’ve got evidence (say) of his studies in history or philosophy that will add weight, because (say) having done a children’s workshop at the local museum or university takes you beyond the sort of vague statement that “my child is interested in philosophy” that panels often hear.

Original poster
Choccyaddict4eva · 25/03/2021 11:53

@prh47bridge

Those are absolutely the right things to concentrate on. If the allocated school doesn't offer these things, they are all good reasons why your son will be disadvantaged if he doesn't go to this school. The careers programme is probably the weakest point as it will be a few years before that is relevant, but it is still worth raising if the allocated school doesn't have such a programme or you can point to ways in which the one in the appeal school is better.

It sounds like you have the makings of a strong case there. Of course, that doesn't guarantee success. That depends on the strength of the school's case to refuse admission, the strength of the cases put forward by other appellants and, to some degree, the panel you get. But you definitely have a chance of success.

Thanks so much for your feedback, it’s good to know I’m on the right track! I’m aware there is a section on the appeals form that permits you to attach ‘evidence’ to support your case further- do you have any suggestions as to what this evidence could be?
OP posts:
prh47bridge · 25/03/2021 09:57

Those are absolutely the right things to concentrate on. If the allocated school doesn't offer these things, they are all good reasons why your son will be disadvantaged if he doesn't go to this school. The careers programme is probably the weakest point as it will be a few years before that is relevant, but it is still worth raising if the allocated school doesn't have such a programme or you can point to ways in which the one in the appeal school is better.

It sounds like you have the makings of a strong case there. Of course, that doesn't guarantee success. That depends on the strength of the school's case to refuse admission, the strength of the cases put forward by other appellants and, to some degree, the panel you get. But you definitely have a chance of success.

Original poster
Choccyaddict4eva · 25/03/2021 07:40

@prh47bridge

If you would like to give more details about your reasons there are experts on here (I'm one of them) who will advise you as to the strength of your case and what you can do to make it better.
Hi, thank you for offering to help. The reasons why we want our first choice are: it offers a special scholar programme for all in year 7-9- it covers subjects such as history and philosophy, my son has always had an interest in these subjects and studies them in his spare time. It offers computer science as a GCSE, my son has expressed an interest in a career in computing. The school places a focus on oracy and literacy and developing speaking skills- my son has always been praised for being able to construct logical balanced, critical arguments from a young age, and I believe this programme could help him thrive and excel even more in supporting him to achieve his maximum potential in education and future career. The school also offers a careers programme in order to ensure pupils are supported in making the right choices beyond year 11. Lastly, the school has an excellent reputation for behaviour and towards bullying- my son has suffered and been a target in his primary school by another pupil with the school not doing enough about it, which has left him feeling anxious about the same thing happening at secondary school.
OP posts:
Original poster
Choccyaddict4eva · 25/03/2021 07:06

@DarlingOscar

Have you tried the Elevenplus exams site? Lots of very helpful specialists on there. HTH.
I haven’t no, I will have a look, thank you
OP posts:
PanelChair · 24/03/2021 18:25

As others have said, you need to pinpoint how and why your child needs to attend this school and will be disadvantaged if he does not. Your liking for this school or its closeness to home won’t win you an appeal.

prh47bridge · 24/03/2021 18:14

If you would like to give more details about your reasons there are experts on here (I'm one of them) who will advise you as to the strength of your case and what you can do to make it better.

AvaCallanach · 24/03/2021 15:27

My appeal (obviously not been heard yet) is based on social, emotional and mental health needs. She is rather vulnerable and the only person in her current school who has been offered this school rather than standard feeder.

Hersetta427 · 24/03/2021 15:06

You need to concentrate your arguments on why the detriment to your son of not attending the school outweighs the detriment to the school of adding an additional pupil and what the appealed for school can offer than no other school can.

Things like he is a talented musician and the appealed for school has an orchestra and the offered school doesn't. He has a talent for a particular subject and studies this in his own time now and it is offered for GCSE at the appealed school and not the offered school.

Distance will not usually be considered unless the distance you are being asked to travel is unreasonable.

What does the school provide that the offered school doesn't that may detrimentally impact your child?

DarlingOscar · 24/03/2021 14:48

Have you tried the Elevenplus exams site? Lots of very helpful specialists on there. HTH.