Secondary school appeal hearing

Hi @Beizzyanddizzy

You need to show that the benefit to your child being at the school would be greater than the detriment to the current school population from admitting them.

You can't argue against them being oversubscribed - presumably they are. So you need to focus on what the school can offer that your child cannot access elsewhere.

How can I prove that the school being oversubscribed has not impacted the quality of education. Their gcse results are above average.

You don't need to prove this and of course you can't anyway.

What other arguments can I put forward for the school being oversubscribed

Again - it is (I presume) so you need to counter that argument from the schol with xyz reason why your son needs to go there.

Unfortunately I agree that the welfare support argument is weak unless you have a medical letter saying that this is the only school that can support your child as they need.

The "better curriculum" is also not relevant as it stands - as in, the panel will take the view that all secondary schools will provide an appropriate curriculum. But there might be something offered at the school that he has an interest or aptitude for - things like computing (GCSE or club), music (orchestra and he has clarinet lessons), German (and his aunt is German) - that kind of thing.

Logistics of him getting to school is not relevant either unfortunately. An 11yo is expected to make their own way, walking or by bus and train, to school - walking up to 3 miles and with transport paid for after that if certain conditions obtain.

How can I prove that the school being oversubscribed has not impacted the quality of education. Their gcse results are above average.
I don’t understand what you mean by this?
They’re over subscribed, by definition they don’t give places to everyone who applies.
If they did, it definitely would have an impact on the quality of education provided.
I don’t think having to be driven to school is a particularly strong argument at secondary level either, they’ll be expected to make their own way there.

You are unlikely to win it without evidence from the specialists ( doctors) But that still may not be a strong enough argument. Did you check any applications for expansion by the school, a permission planning?