In year admission appeal

[sonatensatz]

We are moving and ds1 has a place at our preferred school. Ds 2 has not been offered a place so I am considering an appeal. Ds2 is in y3 so it is not an infant class size issue.

I want to appeal on the basis that the preferred school can provide his instrument lessons on site and also has a recorder group and other musical activities that he will benefit from as he has shown an aptitude for music at his current school and takes part in extra activities especially recorders. The school they have offered cannot provide the musical opportunities as they are too small. Would an appeal on this basis have any chance of success? Would it help if I had a supporting letter from the music specialist teacher at his current school?

I'm not sure but I think that to be successful appeals have to be based on the published admissions criteria of the school to which you have applied.

On what grounds was your son refused?

Yes it would have a chance but that doesn't mean success is guaranteed. The more evidence you have of your son's musical abilities the better, so a supporting letter from the music teacher at his current school would help.

He was refused on the grounds that to offer him a place would be prejudicial to the provision of efficient education and the efficient use of resources.

having looked at ACE's website I'm also wondering whether to include in the appeal that the school are in the process of moving from 2 form to 3 form entry so the school have the capability to accommodate more children.

Also I wondered if the fact that the school they have offered has an intake of low standard starting children who are still low standard when they leave and he is working at significantly above average so I am concerned that he will not make progress at the offered school.

An appeal does not have to be based on the published admission criteria unless you are arguing that a mistake has been made.

If they are moving to 3 form entry without building any additional classes that would be worth mentioning as that suggests they can handle more pupils.

Keep well away from talking about the intake of the offered school. It isn't relevant - you are appealing for the school, not against the offered school. And it could turn the appeal panel against you, especially if one of them has a link to the offered school.

Is DS2 starting yr 3 in sept?

thank you prh that's interesting to know.

Doctrine DS2 will move into y4 in September.

Ah, will the appeal be held over the summer or not till September, do you know? (prh will know)

Probably not until September now. A few LAs hold appeals over the summer holidays but most don't.

So if the appeal isn't until September will I be Ok to put him in the offered school and then move him if we succeed. Will the appeal be affected if we accept another school?

You can appeal from another school, make sure you stay on waiting list for your preferred school inthe meantime.

Yes it is ok to put your son in the offered school and move him if your appeal is successful. Accepting another school will not damage your chances at appeal.

That's good to know. I have managed to get a supporting letter from his current teacher so that should be a help too.