Secondary school appeal

[CrazyandIknowit]

We got the results today for DSS and we are gutted.
He applied for an exam entry school and put down 4 other choices.
He didn't get into the exam entry one due to the number of applications (1 in 6 chance so fair enough)

He got his 3rd choice off the other list!

The first choice we put down was for the feeder school from his primary. He doesn't live near there anymore but all of his friends will be going. We assume he didn't get in because of where he lives.

The problem is DSS has extreme social anxiety. Since this application process he has been making himself sick and refusing to eat. He is not dealing with it well at all. We tried to get help but a paediatrician told him to just eat breakfast!
His Mum isn't being listened too and we both suspect ASD.
We are all now terrified of how this is going to affect him.

So what do we do next?
We need to appeal but is there any point if he doesn't live nearby?
Is it worth mentioning his issues even though he hasn't got a diagnosis or will it look like a desperate parent trying to get what they want?

This is all such a minefield.

We need to appeal but is there any point if he doesn't live nearby

Yes. You don't have to live near a school to win an appeal. You either have to show that a mistake has been made (e.g. he was placed in the wrong category or the distance was measured incorrectly) or that the problems for him in not attending this school outweigh the problems the school would have in coping with an additional pupil. A diagnosis would help but, failing that, one or more letters in support from qualified professionals (which could include his current teachers) stating that he needs to go to this school may be enough to convince the panel.

Thank you both that's really helpful.
We will speak to the school and see if we can get them on board.

This is all such a minefield!

You need to speak to his medical team too.

If you are going to put weight on his medical and social needs, then you need evidence both that they exist and that they mean that appealed for school is the only one that can meet them.

Can you get a letter from one or more HCPs (the more senior the better) explaining why the appealed for school is the only one which meets his needs?