Advice on school appeal

[triathlonmum]

Hi

I would be really grateful for some advice on how to present my appeal statement (has to be submitted online soon). My daughter got her 4th choice school - this was despite me making a 'rule 2' (exceptional medical/social grounds) application for her 1st choice. The 1st choice school is our nearest state school and is the one ALL her friends from her large primary are going to.

She has had a tough year as we lost my Dad and then her Dad and I separated and are now in the midst of a horrible divorce (his choice, not mine!). Her peer group have been enormously supportive and to have her separated from them now would be a disaster. This will be the main thrust of my appeal and I have supporting evidence. However, seeing as they rejected it under rule 2 I am thinking I should include other reasons for wanting the 1st choice school (academic fit, safety of journey etc). Do you think this weakens or strengthens the appeal - will it look too 'unfocused' if I put lots of reasons in (they are all genuine but my main concern is maintaining her support network and stability)....?

Really appreciate any thoughts.

Thanks

I would include any factual evidence you have that it is the only school that could meet her needs.

There are some people on here who are v.knowledgeable about appeals; hopefully some of them will be along shortly.

If it is your nearest school and all the other children from her primary are going there, why did she not get a place?

Thanks

It is a v popular school (sadly for us!). We are less than a mile away but furthest child to get in was 80m closer than us! argh.....

Where is your daughter on the continuing interest list?

She is on the continuing interest list for her 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices. But to be honest I will only be happy with the first choice due to reasons above. However, 2 and 3 are both much better logistically and educationally than 4 which we have got at the moment!

Thanks Miele - that's really helpful. I've got quite a few supporting docs but not approached the primary school yet at had heard they were not allowed to support appeals...might as well try though!

Do you know which position she is on the continuing interest list for your first choice?

TheFirst they won't tell us until after next Monday for some reason! The school is SOOOO popular though I think people have been moving from miles away to be near it. Just unfortunate for us as she's been at playgroup/nursery/infants/juniors etc with these children - and now at this really difficult time looking to be separated from them.

Looks like there is some good advice here. Just to add, the fact that the school didn't accept your child under exceptional medical/social grounds does not mean the appeal panel will come to the same decision. The panel is independent so they won't be associated with the school at all. However, you want to make the best case possible for your daughter so you should include other reasons.

If you would like detailed advice on your arguments either post them here or PM me and I will be happy to tell you which ones are most likely to convince an appeal panel.

Thanks ever so much prh47 I am cheered by the fact appeal is independent from social/medical process. I will PM you over weekend with a summary of my arguments! Feeling much happier now :-)