Applying to secondary school.

[vonny67]

Hi, we've been living overseas for the past 3 years and are due to return to the UK in August this year. My son will be starting year 8 in September. I've applied to 3 schools local to where we live, at present they are all full. The school nearest are home have said my son is 5th on their waiting list. I have a few questions. When should we start the appeal process, should we wait until nearer September, in the hope a place comes up, or start now? Also who do we appeal to, the school or the LEA? Finally, has anyone had experience of sucessfully appealing for a secondary school place for their child? Thanks in advance.

Hi vonny67 - yes, I have successfully appealed for a secondary school place. You should have had a letter giving the grounds for refusal of admission. (ie, saying the school is "full"). This letter should tell you how to appeal. If you haven't had a letter, or have binned/lost it, then ring the LEA and ask about the appeal process. Your appeal must be in writing to the LEA. You will have to appeal to the LEA, not the school itself and there will be a panel-type meeting/hearing. There may be a time-limit, but be sure that you can get back for the hearing, or you have zero chance of success - no parent at the hearing = parent who doesn't care (in their view - it is also your only opportunity to state your case. If you really can't be there, could another adult take your place - a (really articulate) grandparent, perhaps?
Prepare well for the hearing, and place your emphasis on why you do want your DS to go to school X, rather than why you don't want him to go school Y. Being in the catchment area is a good argument for attending a particular school - having friends in the neighbourhood etc. - being able, as a parent, to get involved in the home-school relationship, attending parent/open evenings. Also, not having to travel by bus/car to school is a good one. More travelling time = less study/personal time. One other less palatable issue is that bullying from "rival" schools can occur on bus journeys. If this is an issue in your area (research, research!) then that is another factor for your DS attending a more local school.
An appeal decision is made by an independent panel made up of OMG can't remember - maybe someone can help here?
However - the panels' decision is final - if you win, even if the school don't like it - tough. However, in that happy circumstance, I have found that the school welcome the student quite happily.

Thank you Happycrappy. I must admit I'm daunted by the prospect of having to appeal, but I owe it to my son to try my hardest. Thanks again.

vonny67 - my appeal panel were actually really nice and reasonable. When you have the hearing, it is a bit weird - the panel folks are on one side of the table (just like a big, very long dining table), and you are on the other, along with the LEA! You both have to put your case, but their argument is no more important than yours. Whoever has the best case will win. Good luck, and FFS - don't be scared of appealing - most parents with a well-researched argument win in education appeals.