I have a English secondary school admission appeal to write for my daughter. We have just moved into a new area and I want her to go to the only secondary school in the town together with my elder child, who has already been given a place there.
The school is a Foundation one and have refused to admit my younger child as they say that her age group, Year 7, is over subscribed. There are currently 271 in the year and the normal limit (Published Admission Number) is 270. The extra child was admitted as a result of an appeal.
The whole school's PAN is 1350 and by Monday, when the school re-opens after half term, it will have exactly that number on roll.
I have been told by the Local Authority that the school's net capacity is 1408 children. Does this mean what I think it does - that I can argue that the school might only allow 1350 children in it within it's regulations but that in reality it has the ability to allow 1408 and is therefore able to accept my child without any extra pressure being put upon the school's facilities, resources or other pupils?
Is there anything else I should know, say or be asking with regard to this please? I have read of maximum and minimum net capacities and that generally a schools net capacity is decided between the school and the LA once they have the figures to hand. As I understand it they usually decide on a net capacity which is somewhere between the maximum and minimum. Is this correct?
Any help would be most appreciated. I have other arguments as to why my child should be permitted which are about our circumstances and her own situation but I need all the assistance I can get!