Appeal on grounds of distance from school

[vschatterbox]

I have recently found out that my DD has not got a place at our first place school. We have decided to appeal (despite the LEA helpline suggesting we don't) on the grounds that we live closer to the school (0.27 miles)in comparison to the furthest child who has been alocated a space (0.29 miles). As you can see the numbers are very tight, but i just wondered if anyone has any experience of this or any pearls of wisdom they can pass our way for writing our appeal letter. Not been on Mumsnet before so hope I get some responses!!!

Hi,

I've discovered that our LEA has used different distances for my son's application a few years ago and my daughter's for Sept. It's put us 20m further out. Neither my address nor the school has moved. Apparently their measurement criteria hasn't changed. Do I have grounds for appeal?

@clc777 You would be better off starting your own thread rather than reviving one that is 14 years old. You may get people answering OP rather than you.

There are several things that could cause the difference in distance. Even though neither you nor the school has moved, it could be that the LA has moved the point on the school to which distances are measured. If they measure by the shortest walking route rather than straight line distance, it could be that a footpath is no longer available. And there are other reasons this could be innocent.

Even if one of the distances is incorrect, this will only help you at appeal if it is the new distance that is wrong and you missed out on a place by 20m or less. Unless both of those things are true, you will not win an appeal on the basis of this discrepancy.