Apeal Advice

[menk]

Hi All,

Does anyone have any experience of appealing for Mossbourne Community School or City Academy in Hackney? My DS did not get a place at either school for year 7 admissions. I would like advice on writing up the appeal and the appeal hearing.

I haven't appealed in that area. But have won an appeal. I spent lots of time learning all the legislation, rules etc and may be able to help a bit.

What is you appeal based on?

The basics of appeals are the same regardless of the schools involved. There are national standards set out in the Admission Appeals Code that must be followed. If you would like to post more information a number of admissions experts will give you advice. If you don't want to post it publicly feel free to PM me for advice.

OP.
What is it specifically about these particular schools that you are so keen on?

You are not allowed to answer 'travel arrangements' or 'GCSE results'

But you could say things like:

• has dedicated pastoral team (which allocated school doesn't) and my DC needs this because ....
• has school orchestra (which allocated school doesn't) and my DC is grade 5 oboe
• offers GCSE in XXX (which allocated school doesn't) and my DC has particular interest in this as shown by ...

Thanks for your responses.

I want to appeal on the grounds that the schools are best suited for my child's academic ability. My DS is very talented I believe either school will bring out the best in my child. I have no medical or social grounds to appeal on.

I am keen on each schools' teaching ethos and the sound learning environment they create for their pupils. I like the teachers' and pupils' attitude to the school. I also know people whose children go to both schools and they are very happy with the schools.

Unfortunately those are not grounds for appeal.

Teenandtween has given you good examples of specific things that can be used.

You need to show that your son will be disadvantaged if he doesn't go to the school for which you are appealing. Concentrate on things the appeal school offers that are not offered by the allocated school and which are particularly relevant to your son. Teenandtween has given some examples of the kind of thing you are looking for.

You are going to need to be rather more specific to succeed. His "talents" will only be of note if there are particular reasons that the school you are appealing for will best suit them. Presumably you are already on their waiting lists?