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Original poster

Secondary admission appeal help please

31 replies

sleepingbeauty100154 · 07/03/2022 16:53

Hi, I've had a read through lots of threads on here about secondary school appeals and I apologise for adding to them but just in need of some advice.
My daughter has been offered second choice secondary school. We missed 1st choice by 40m and have since found out we are currently 4th on the waiting list. I haven't yet asked if the school waiting list gets much movement so not sure if 4th is good or not!

So I'm looking at appealing and here are my reasons.
I know normally distance isn't taken into account, however #1 is closer and the bus stops directly outside the school or a 15 min walk. #2 school is a 10 minute walk to bus stop either end or a 30 min walk. This is important for us as my daughter has a complex cardiac condition and can get exhausted - especially after a day at school. She is generally good and knows her own limits but I'd like her to be independent and get to/ from school on her own and enjoy her day without the tiredness. Also on this note, while both schools do not have their own sports grounds (they both use independent grounds), #1 uses a minibus to transport the students to and from the fields, whereas #2 walk there and back (no other option) which is 22 minutes each way. That plus a double pe lesson would leave my daughter very fatigued for the rest of the day and possibly the following day. .I would like her to be able to join in just like the other students but fear this wouldn't happen often at #2.

The other reason which may seem silly to some is that my daughter had her heart set on studying textiles (her older sister did this and she's fallen in love with all things textiles! Even asking for and getting her own sewing machine for Christmas!) #1 offers textiles from year 7 to A Level, yet #2 doesn't even offer it at all. This is something my daughter is extremely upset about but not sure if it's worth mentioning?

Other thing to mention but probably not important is that #1 is single sex school, coed 6th form and #2 is coed school, no 6th form. My daughter desperately wanted single sex school. She spent Yr 5 being tormented by a boy in her class and that boy has now been offered a place at #2.....

Any thoughts on if it's worth appealing?

I was originally going to apply under their medical/ social criteria but at the time I was caring for my mum who was losing a very sudden and nasty battle against cancer (she passed on Nov 1st). I was in such a state that I ended up applying on 22nd October under sibling criteria, forgetting that year 13 doesn't count for siblings (my own fault).

I can gather the obvious medical details of her heart condition - she will be requiring more surgery soon and her current primary school is writing a supporting letter stating they also feel #1 is better suited to her needs.

Any help from anyone would be really appreciated!

Thanks x

OP posts:
Bessica1970 · 07/03/2022 19:29

I wouldn’t mention the textiles or single sex reasons - neither are appeal worthy, they also detract from your main argument (medical) which is strong on its own. Gather as much evidence as you can, and good luck 🤞

clarrylove · 07/03/2022 19:17

Do they normally take over PAN? You may find they regularly do in which you should have a strong case. Good luck with the waiting list and appeal.

PanelChair · 07/03/2022 19:15

Yes, I think you have the basis of a strong case there. Obviously, whether you win will depend in part on the strength (or not) of the school’s case not to admit.

Try to obtain a letter from your child’s paediatrician/cardiologist which explains her health issues and says clearly that in their opinion she needs a place at this school. The curriculum issue is then a second argument to support your case.

Original poster
sleepingbeauty100154 · 07/03/2022 19:14

@BendingSpoons

I agree, mention the textiles too. Your strongest argument is the health needs. Definitely ask the medical professionals for a letter that clearly states what she needs to mitigate this.

Also cross your fingers that you might get a waiting list place before you need to appeal. How big is the school? 4th sounds hopeful, although of course you can go up and down on the list.

Thank you both. I'm calling the cardiac nurses tomorrow and will email the consultants secretary to ask for a supporting letter naming the school in question. I'm also going to ask the gp to do the same, plus her primary school who currently has a healthcare plan for her (Not ehcp) are also going to name #1 school based on them knowing her needs at school - not sure how much weight this will hold?

#1 school intake is 120 so fairly small, so not sure how hopeful a place is being 4th on the waiting list? I will call them again in a couple of weeks to see if there's any movement. I know we can move down as well as up but I'm trying to hold on to a little hope that we will be offered before needing to sit in an appeal......

OP posts:
BendingSpoons · 07/03/2022 18:15

I agree, mention the textiles too. Your strongest argument is the health needs. Definitely ask the medical professionals for a letter that clearly states what she needs to mitigate this.

Also cross your fingers that you might get a waiting list place before you need to appeal. How big is the school? 4th sounds hopeful, although of course you can go up and down on the list.

PastMyBestBeforeDate · 07/03/2022 17:03

Definitely worth it on all the things you mention including textiles. Get her cardiac consultant to put in writing exactly what her condition is and why the shorter travel and minibus are the only acceptable option plus the likely effects of a longer walk.