appeal to secondary school

[Anjelika2503]

Hello
I’m new on Mumsnet so maybe you talk about my problem many times already then could you please send me link on previous pages or just help me because I need your advise . My daughter was unsuccessful with all 3 secondary schools☹️. We know that it was happen because of our location. We are in Southampton at the moment but applied for Bournemouth Schools because we are moving to Bournemouth in midsummer. So I would like to appeal on schools decision but don’t really know how to organise it all in right way. What kind of support papers we need to have? How and what to write in appeal ? Do I need to get lawyer ? Maybe someone appealed already and was successful please help me . Thank you very much

You do not need a lawyer. A lawyer is more likely to hinder than to help.

I presume you applied using your Southampton address so no mistake was made. In your situation, it might be better to wait until you have exchanged contracts or got a signed tenancy agreement for your new property. At that point you will be able to apply using your new address and the council will have to come up with a place for you somewhere. You will still be able to appeal for any schools you don't get and your appeal will be stronger. Right now I suspect an appeal panel will be concerned that your move might fall through and therefore will not want to award a place.

If you do appeal you need to concentrate on why your child will be disadvantaged if they don't go to the appeal school. Look at things like subjects offered, extra-curricular activities, etc. If you can find anything that is particularly relevant to your child you should include it.

Thank you very much. we dont have a contract exchange now, but we've got the letter from building company that they exept our offer for house and that we paid deposit as well. And our new house will be ready in summer. Would this letter be helpful? And do we need to get any supporting letters from primary school?

If you are applying through Bournemouth Council they won't accept your new address until you have exchanged contracts. I doubt an appeal will be successful until you have exchanged.

Supporting letters from primary school don't help at appeal unless they are providing evidence that your child has specific skills or abilities that you are using as part of your case. A letter simply saying they support your appeal would be worthless.