Another Appeal Thread-current Y7 place

[marialuisa]

I'd be really grateful for any tips people have about the appeal my mum is going to on Tuesday for my brother to gain a place in the current Y7 at their preferred school.

Dbro is baptised Catholic and attended the feeder primary for the school and was offered a place there this time last year. However, in May 2006 mum moved 200 miles away and Dbro went to a RC primary in the new area and on to an RC secondary. Mum moved back to the original area 10 days ago but the RC school is now full. School advised that they would automatically refuse but because of Dbro being RC, attended feeder school etc. mum should go to appeal.

The school statement is based on the fact that it would be a hard fit spacewise, but also stated that they currently have 2 classes of 30 and one of 29. So we will question how having 3 classes of 30 will be prejudicial given they must already have labs kitted out for 30 etc. We will also reiterate church attendance, that dbro has stayed in touch with primary school friends during the 12 months he's lived elsewhere etc.

Can anyone suggest anything else that would be worth mentioning?

I know it's dull, but anyone have any thoughts/tips?

so which year is he now?

6 or 7

if it is true that there is 29 in one class I don't understand why they said no

weird

Currently Y7.

They have said no because they are already 1 child over their planned admission number (there is an additional SEN class) and as it is the top-performing school in the county they LEA puts them under pressure to take more kids. The school has about 40% non catholic pupils so they are worried that if they automatically said yes to Dbro the LEA would then try and make them take yet more applicants (including those who don't meet the entrance criteria).

Very weird

Schools have a maximum number they can have on the roll.

Although they are one short in the current year 7 they are having to admit an extra one to next year's year 7. (If I have read your post correctly). They will have 2 classes of 30 and one of 31.

If they take your DB then they will be over their max and also have no leg to stand on when the LEA try to foist extra pupils on them in the future.

By going through the appeals process they will have stood their ground as far as the LEA are concerned and I'm sure your DB will get a place ths way.

Thanks, it's all very stressful and not helped by the school being very positive and dropping hints that they wouldn't really mind as dbro is catholic before adding "but it's not our decision"....will just have to wait and see.