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Original poster

Waiting for secondary school appeal dates and advice on what to expect

55 replies

Mayjane5 · 04/04/2026 14:42

we have put in two school appeals and now just waiting for the appeal date! Who else is waiting? Is the not knowing that’s the hardest. Anyone who has gone through the appeal any advice for what to expect on the day?

OP posts:
Original poster
Mayjane5 · 05/04/2026 08:32

Favouritefruits · 04/04/2026 19:56

You need to be prepared! We sat down in front of the panel and were asked for our opening statement, the chair of the panel then asked the reasons a place was not given which is always ‘no prejudice was shown’ then we got asked for our reasons why we feel prejudice was shown, then they went in disagreeing with us and picked holes in our argument. Then finally we got to ask questions.

The hearing lasted just under an hour and was so much more intense and formal than I thought it would be! Luckily my husband is great at coming up with ‘things’ on the spot if I was alone I would have looked a right idiot and only had one page of resons!

we didn’t get the place!

What would you put in the opening statement? A summary of child and reasons? Or do you leave the reasons until later and just introduce yourself? That’s what I’m worried about for them to pick apart our reasons. I’m preparing questions and answers

OP posts:
OutofIdeas86 · 04/04/2026 23:30

We are doing 3 appeals! The appeals clerk has emailed me this week about 2 of the 3, they are bein held in May (1 week apart).
In both cases the stage 1 is on the monday, for school A the stage 2 will run all week! I think they normally have about 100 appeals. we will have 20 mins.
School B is only running stage 2 over 2 days, we will have 25 mins. so I think maybe 25 appeals. Be aware you only have about 8-10 to present your case!!

Favouritefruits · 04/04/2026 19:56

You need to be prepared! We sat down in front of the panel and were asked for our opening statement, the chair of the panel then asked the reasons a place was not given which is always ‘no prejudice was shown’ then we got asked for our reasons why we feel prejudice was shown, then they went in disagreeing with us and picked holes in our argument. Then finally we got to ask questions.

The hearing lasted just under an hour and was so much more intense and formal than I thought it would be! Luckily my husband is great at coming up with ‘things’ on the spot if I was alone I would have looked a right idiot and only had one page of resons!

we didn’t get the place!

Original poster
Mayjane5 · 04/04/2026 19:45

SchoolAppeal2026 · 04/04/2026 17:51

Ive been there…….and honestly, the waiting is one of the hardest parts of an appeal
When I went through the appeal process, our hearing was scheduled around May so if you haven’t heard yet, that’s completely normal. If it’s a popular school, the admitting authority will usually hear multiple appeals together…..often called a group stage. This is where they explain why the school is full and can’t admit more pupils. After that, your individual case is heard. On the day itself, try not to worry so much although it will be natural to be nervous but the panel are independent and there to listen.
What really makes the difference is showing why that specific school is the right fit for your child. Try and provide clear, strong evidence as and wheee you can and demonstrating why the prejudice to your child outweighs the school taking another pupil . You’ve done the hard part by submitting the appeal ….so now it’s about being prepared and confident in your reasons. I wish you luck

Thank you, yes I just want it be here sooner than later but I understand the process. I’ve read so many appeal stories and gone through the appeals code, I feel like I have a good case and supporting evidence I’m just worried I won’t get my points across clearly as I’m not a good speaker when put on the spot. Do they ask questions that can trip you up so to speak?

OP posts:
SchoolAppeal2026 · 04/04/2026 17:51

Ive been there…….and honestly, the waiting is one of the hardest parts of an appeal
When I went through the appeal process, our hearing was scheduled around May so if you haven’t heard yet, that’s completely normal. If it’s a popular school, the admitting authority will usually hear multiple appeals together…..often called a group stage. This is where they explain why the school is full and can’t admit more pupils. After that, your individual case is heard. On the day itself, try not to worry so much although it will be natural to be nervous but the panel are independent and there to listen.
What really makes the difference is showing why that specific school is the right fit for your child. Try and provide clear, strong evidence as and wheee you can and demonstrating why the prejudice to your child outweighs the school taking another pupil . You’ve done the hard part by submitting the appeal ….so now it’s about being prepared and confident in your reasons. I wish you luck