appeal: what evidence should I submit?

[richmal3]

I submitted an appeal for DD (secondary) last week. When I got to the end of the form there was a bit where you could upload supporting evidence (I hadn't seen it before as you couldn't look at the end of the form before you'd completed the beginning). Yikes - I didn't have any. I think I can still send them supporting evidence but have no idea what to send.

We don't have a strong case, but various people on mumsnet with experience on appeals panels said it was worth a shot. Basically it boils down to:

1. Raising the issue of whether they measured the distance correctly (as they got it wrong the first time, redid it when I pointed out the mistake, but as they had to redo it for every child, DD ended up still 177m out - the first time she'd been 250m out. This is on an overall distance of 18km so relatively a lot of scope for error).

1. It's a specialist maths school and also gets very good english results. DD is strong in both subjects (and yes, I know this is a very weak point). The school she's been allocated has a specialism of dance, which DD hates, but we put it down as third choice since it was the best of the ones she could definitely get into. Their maths and English results are well below the school we're appealing for.

1. DD is passionate about nature and the environment. Her chosen school has a gardening club and an eco group (I know, these points are getting weaker and weaker!).

I'm raising the issue of PAN: they do have extra children in one or two year groups, but since I believe a number of people are appealing for this school, obviously most of us are not going to be given a place even if the appeals panel decides they can go over their PAN.

What, if any, evidence should I submit? Is it worth getting her teacher to write something (don't know if teachers are allowed to do this)? Anything else we could put in?

Yes a teacher letter and maybe copies of her reports showing she is doing well in those subjects.

You don't have to send any supporting evidence. However, evidence that your daughter is strong in maths and English would be useful as would evidence of her interest in those subjects. Similarly evidence of her interest in nature and the environment would help. Don't send things she has done but if she is in any clubs see if you can get letters from them. If her current teachers are aware of her enthusiasm they may be willing to write something for you. Contrary to your comment, your third point may actually turn out to be the strongest point in your case.

Looking at your second point, the fact that the allocated school has a dance specialism is irrelevant to the appeal. You must concentrate on the appeal school. The fact it has good maths and English results doesn't directly help you. You need to find things they offer around those subjects that are not available at the allocated school. That is why, as things stand, your third point is potentially your strongest. You have identified some provision at the appeal school that is missing from the allocated school and can show that this will be particularly relevant to your daughter.

re maths. Does your preferred school offer statistics or further maths GCSE which your allocated school doesn't? Or enter maths challenge things?

or for English - offer creative writing clubs?

thanks, that's helpful. Is it worth saying that DD's chosen school has a system where they do KS3 in two years - 'to add pace and challenge' according to their prospectus? DD has sometimes been bored at school and says she would like more challenging work - would this be worth raising at the at appeal? I assume all schools would be considered to be capable of meeting the needs of more able children though, so perhaps this isn't an issue?