Offers day: 1st March 2024

For those who don't get the school they want and are thinking of appealing, if you want advice please start a separate thread, ideally with the word "appeal" in the title. You will then get advice from myself and the other experts who post here.

I will keep an eye on this thread and offer advice if I see anyone asking, but I can't guarantee to spot all requests on the thread.

Most people appeal on grounds that stand no chance of success - transport difficulties, friendship groups, etc.

Being granted an EHCP would not be reason for appeal. No appeal would be needed. The child would be admitted even if the school was already full.

Moving closer to the school may move you up the waiting list. It is not grounds for a successful appeal.

There are two ways to appeal successfully:

1. Show that a mistake has been made in the admissions process that has cost your child a place.
2. Show that the disadvantage to your child from not being admitted outweighs any problems the school will face from having to cope with an additional pupil.

@RedFluffyPanda At secondary (and KS2 as well) there aren't legal class size limits and the grounds for achieving an appeal are therefore wider than for Infants.

You have to show that the detriment to your child from not being accepted is greater than the detriment to the school by taking on an extra pupil.

You can't use Ofsted or GCSE results or usually travel or friends, but you can use extra curricular things like orchestras, sports, science clubs, and also thing like MFLs offered. You need to show why these are particularly beneficial for your DC.

Things such as subjects/sports/clubs offered by one school & not the other, for example triple science vs double science for a child with a proven interest in science.

I would love to learn from somebody who is in the panel, like yourself, on what basis people appeal-? When it comes to catchment places based on distance it all works on mathematical formula of proximity, and before that siblings, looked after etc. Unless somebody was granted EHCP between the time of application and the national offer day, or moved significantly closer to the school for legit reasons, they got an injury and have to travel to school this and not another way...I cannot possibly imagine on what grounds people would appeal?

If you appeal, please read the information given to you. Evidence is really important to me so if you have any please send it in advance of your appointment.
Evidence on the day is frequently not considered.
Again, good luck and don't forget that panels are unpaid volunteers who want the best for your children and also the children and staff already in the schools you want. Please don't threaten us - yes that does happen sadly.

Good luck everyone. I'm an appeals chair and I think I'll have a busy time ahead!

You can get it even later as a waiting list.

My DD made new mates as well as existing ones, my DS has school mates old and new but still sees his 2 best old school mates who went to different school every week and has a great balance.

Thank you

@Hopebridge @Flametornado once offers are our yes the DC tend to all start getting heard round it. But loads of focus on new beginnings & exciting aspects will help plus reassurance they will still see old mates will lessen anxiety

I am feeling nervous. Going by previous admissions, all our nearest schools have very small catchments which we are just outside. We would be very happy with any of them if we can get a place. We put a "banker" at #6 which seems to have no catchment but is also (unsurprisingly) not such a good school as the ones closer. There is only one grammar school in the area and I don't think DC scored high enough to get in but we put that one first just in case.

I think the most likely scenario is that we will get #6 and then have to hope for a waiting list place at a closer school.

I think the long wait makes it so hard for them :(

Hopebridge oh no bless him. This is what I'm dreading after offer day. He may not even get in yet but can't help it 🙈 it's much too long a wait!

Yes and he is now having a wobbly and wants to go to a school with all his friends 🙈

Anyone else's child picked a school for first preference where they will most likely know nobody? He was adamant and it's our closest school, and says hes not bothered going on his own. It's hit and miss if he will get it but I'm still nervous for him and hope if he does get it he won't end up having a wobble over it when they all find out where they are going!

Very impatient wait here. My girls sat the 11plus, we’re in a super selective area and one twin did exceptionally well and could pick from any of the 5 grammars in the county. Her sister didn’t do as well and scrapped through with two choices so it’s no guarantee. I am dreading next week, I just hope it’s good news for them both.

I’m so ready for it to be over.. the wait has felt like forever!

Snap!

This time next week I'm going to be anxious!

I hope you get your first choice 🤞

We have an unusual situation in that we have an EHCP in progress. We have named the school we have put down as our first choice. I'm just hoping that we get that choice and don't need to rely on the EHCP getting him in.

My DS is on the list for a grammar place but doesn't want to go now and wants to go to the local (terrible) school with all his friends. I'm hoping if he gets the grammar place he will try but he is getting a lot of pressure from school friends.

I am also becoming a bit nervous. Although my other DD ended up in a less desirable local comp and is doing very well. My other dd is hoping for a lottery placement based school that she will need to get a train for.
I just hate the waiting! Want to get it out the way now.

Yes. Very. Last year our local high school reduced it's numbers (PAN) and for the first time ever (over 50 years) children on our road didn't get in!! It's just over a mile from our house so my child can walk it, right next to her primary school she attends now. The other option is two bus rides away. Only one child from her class has applied to the other school, all her friends will be going to the local one.