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Primary education

Join our Primary Education forum to discuss starting school and helping your child get the most out of it.

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Original poster

Primary School Appeal

12 replies

Sarahhumph · 03/07/2023 05:24

Hello, has anyone won a primary school appeal and on what grounds did you win? What questions were asked at the appeal? Thank you!!!

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OhhhhhhhhBiscuits · 03/07/2023 06:09

What year group are you hoping to appeal for?

Original poster

Sarahhumph · 03/07/2023 09:12

It’s for reception. The school was over subscribed so I know my chances are thin. The school gave priority to people who had collected church stamps once a month for 2 years. I missed one month because I lost my mum and because of this they downgraded me to only going for one year and subsequently didn’t get in….

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Chocolateship · 03/07/2023 09:19

That does seem unfair, if the admissions code is clear that you need x stamps to be prioritised then unfortunately your chances are slim. An appeal is only successful if it can be proven the criteria wasn't applied and they made a mistake essentially- it sounds like the issue is that the church didn't issue a stamp when you couldn't attend rather than admissions wrongly applying the criteria. Of course you could try but it is a very stressful and intense process that takes a lot of time and emotional energy.

Chocolateship · 03/07/2023 09:20

Are you on the wait list? Even if its over subscribed there's every chance there will be some movement at some point.

Original poster

Sarahhumph · 03/07/2023 09:29

In the letter it states that the panel can overturn the decision if they “deem the decision to refuse admission was not one which a reasonable admission authority would have made in the circumstance of the case” I’m hoping this is us!!!
Yes, he’s 4th on the list unfortunately ☹️

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titchy · 03/07/2023 09:31

You need to look at what the criteria is very very carefully. Most church criteria will have an allowance for holiday, bereavement etc. Does it not say 'Minimum of 50 recorded attendances a year' count as one year or something?

Doesn't sound very Christian.

titchy · 03/07/2023 09:34

Sarahhumph · 03/07/2023 09:29

No. That's for circumstances like witness protection, police offer having had threats to life by fellow parents - really severe circumstances.

Assuming 30'to a class your best bet is to show they made a mistake and didn't stick exactly to the wording in the admission criteria.

cyncope · 03/07/2023 09:37

I think your appeal will hinge on what the exact wording of the church stamp criteria is and how they applied it.

Original poster

Sarahhumph · 03/07/2023 09:39

No I know!!! It’s ruthless!! I got more stamps than some of the people they let in.
I will check, thank you!!

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Original poster

Sarahhumph · 03/07/2023 09:42

Ahhh ok, that’s helpful, thank you. Going back to an earlier post….. they probably have stuck to the criteria and as sad as it is that means we’ve lost our place. Absolutely gutting. You’d think losing your mum was enough 😢

OP posts:

cyncope · 03/07/2023 10:06

You have nothing to lose by appealing. I'd still go and make your case.

Charmatt · 04/07/2023 00:03

The term 'reasonable' is the legal definition - a very high bar to reach.

If it's an infant class size appeals then you have very little/no chance of winning - they applied the criteria correctly.

You may have nothing to lose by appealing but it is likely to cost the school money.

In our county, using the services of the independent panel convened and trained by the LA costs schools £200 for each appeal! It soon adds up when schools are funded so poorly.

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