Schools appeal

[Madcow2014]

I need to make an appeal against the LA decision with a secondary school place they gave us our last choice of school. I need advise on how and what to put in my appeal statement. My son is so unhappy about what's happened. Any help or advice very welcome.

You need to appeal to the school you want, not against the school you don't.

Either provide evidence that he met the admissions criteria this year or that the LEA made an administrative error by not offering him a place.

Or provide evidence that your preferred school is the only school that can meet his needs, e.g. SEN, medical diagnosis, disability, social issues, specific educational needs.

These are the appeals which have been successful for people I know.

There are two basic areas for a secondary appeal - error or 'balance of prejudice'.

Which schools are you intendingto appeal for? Have you ad formal rejections? And do the reasons look right? (was DS in correct entrance category, was distance the tie breaker, and does your distance look right and was it further than the last distance offered in that category? Errors do happen, and if one deprived your DS of a place he would have secured if the application has been handled correctly, you will win.

But if the admin looks right, you will need to demonstrate that the disadvantage to your DS by not attending the appealed-for school is greater than the disadvantage to them in having an extra pupil. Two prongs: evidence that the school can cope over the Permitted Admision Number - ie have they successfully run larger groups in therecent past? And what it is about the school that makes it uniquely suitable for your DS. For example, if you can provide evidence he's an avid scientist and desired school does triple science but offered school does not; or he's very musical and one has orchestra and the other doesn't.

Can you tell us more about why you think your child should have a place at your preferred school, even though it is full? That way, we may be able to present your arguments at appeal, to make the most of the opportunity.

Sorry, last a few words there.

That way, we may be able to advise you on how best to present your arguments at appeal ... etc.