Reasons for appeal on a school place

[blummineck]

Hi guys,
My DS3 didn't get into our first choice primary school, we're slightly out of the catchment area for our preferred one. The main reason for us wanting him to go to this preferred school (apart from the fact that it is a better school )is that we want to move towards the area of the preferred school, either next year or the year after, and didn't want to have to have him changes schools if possible...

People have said to me, 'oh well you could appeal' but I'm wondering if its worth it after reading other posts on here, or if I should just accept the place, but put his name on the waiting list for the preferred school?

Is there a way I can find out why we didn't get first choice or how far we may be on the waiting list, before making the final decision?

Thanks in advance.

xxx

You can ask the LA why he didn't get his first choice and where you are on the waiting list.

You should certainly accept the offered place and put your son on the waiting list for your preferred school.

As for appealing, my view is that it is always worth trying. Even if it is an infant class size case you may stike it lucky with the panel you get. However, your possible move isn't going to get you very far as grounds for appeal. You need to think of things your preferred school has which will be of particular benefit to your son - after school clubs, for example.

Thanks prh47bridge,

I have emailed the LA to ask for the reason and if they can tell me how far on the waiting list I may be.

I'm still undecided about appealing, but I need to make a decision soon!
If appealing, can I still accept the allocated place just in case, or do I need to leave that open until the appeal is over?

The appeal process for infants, would I have to speak in front of a panel or anything? I get embarrassed easily so would probably fail miserably! Or is it all done via letter etc?

Thanks! xxx

There is no problem with putting any number of schools down as wanting to be on their waiting lists and mounting an appeal will not in any way affect these waiting lists. Appeal panels are not given information on the waiting lists, as all decisions have to be based on what is said at the appeal, so we would not know whether there was 1 or 101 on the waiting list.

You should accept the place offered. It has no signifance to your appeal other than being your back-stop if the appeal is not successful.

As far as the appeal is concerned, you have to provide a written document prior to the appeal on your reasons for wanting the place at the school. Whilst you do not need to come most parents do come to the appeal. Whilst it is a formal process, most panels try and keep it as informal as possible. You can simply read out what you have said before or not even say anything other than I have said on my submission everything that I want to say. You will probably be asked questions by the panel about your child, their friends and issues relating to what you have said.

It is actually quite surprising how often something comes up which changes the whole complexion of a case during this questioning - we have had siblings, especially step-siblings suddenly materialise that mean that the appealant should have been offered a place and all sorts of other things. So I would say go to the appeal. You will be nervous, but so will the panel to ensure that everything is done to allow everybody to feel they have had their chance to say anything they want. If all else fails I always have a large box of paper tissues!

I agree completely with Admission - accept the place, go on the waiting list and appeal. Your chances of success depend on whether or not it is an infant class size appeal, but even ICS appeals can be won sometimes.

However nervous you are about it, I would go to the appeal to put forward your case.

Good luck.

Aww thanks guys, I will accept the place, request to be put on the waiting list, and probably appeal, I'll ring for a form tomorrow.

Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it!

xxx

Hi guys,

Well I found out today that my son is in position 145, I think she said there were 78 places, so he's way down the list .

I'm gutted, I honestly don't think I'd stand a chance at appeal to be honest, my reasons are pretty lame.

I feel bad for him because non of his nursery friends are going to the same school, and some of them are going on about how they'll be at the same school as such and such... so that makes me feel even worse (he's been there since he was 6 months so has created lots of friends there).

I know kids can adapt and all that, in fact he'll probably be fine, its me that has the issue. Oh well.... guess I'll have to resign myself to the fact that he won't get in.

I'll still put his name on the waiting list... you never know... I don't think I'll appeal to be honest

The lady recommended I ring about 10 days after the closing date to see where he is on the waiting list.. so we'll see...

xxx

To have that many children in the waiting list for a primary school suggests they may not have removed those who are happy with the places they have been allocated. You may find that you are much higher up the list in a couple of weeks time.

The figure of 78 places sounds very strange and rather high for a primary school - it would suggest around 550 pupils in the school in total. Your council should have information on their website which will tell you the admission number for the school. Knowing that would give a realistic assessment of your chances at appeal.

At the end of the day only you can decide whether or not to appeal. Personally I would always go for it however weak my case - you never know how the panel will react on the day. They may uncover things you haven't thought of which give you a better case.