appeal based on pastoral grounds, any advice?

[schoolworriesagain]

Have missed out on my first choice, nearest catholic by a long way yet as catchment is parish, bit distance we have failed on this part (200 metres) out. We have been active members of the parish for many years.
recently we had a family bereavement that rocked our family to the core. Am so keen to keep all cousins at same school to help them through but is only my dc that didnt get in. (some already attend). Explained all this in my app form BUT did not have an supplementary form from priest as LEA stipulated only medical or social worker is accepted. Have found out now that letter from priest is acceptable and he is willing to write a retrospective letter. Any ideas how this may go, am worried sick xx

I assume you are on the wait list? Look at the advice threads re appeals and use the letter for that.

It is highly unlikely you would win an appeal. Reception classes are subject to infant class size rules. It is usually only possible to win an appeal if a mistake had been made.

Make sure you are on the waiting list.

That's really kind advice, thankyou