Secondary school appeals

[Mstiva]

Evening all I’m just wondering if anybody has had there school appeals yet for the new year 7 intake and if they have being successful ours is next week not looking forward to it.

There have definitely been appeal hearings at which places have been allocated to students, where I have sat on the appeal panel.
You need to go to the panel hearing next week knowing that you are doing the best you can for your child but also being realistic that on average something like 25% of secondary school appeals are successful. The figure for primary school appeals is a lot lower because of the infant class size regulations. It is also true to say that every appeal is different and that there will be schools where no appeals are successful because the school's case not to admit more pupils is overwhelmingly strong.

Yes we have and we’re successful
Wishing you lots of luck, such a stressful time

That’s great well done is it as daunting as people say it is?

It shouldn't be daunting. Just see it as an opportunity to put your case forward about why your child needs a place. Write down anything you want to ask so you don't forget.

We had our appeal in early May and were also successful.

I wrote my response, expanding in the basic evidence I had submitted, and read it during the meeting.
It was ok once we started but it affected me HUGELY - had to take time off work with stress.

We have had our appeal a few weeks ago which was unfortunately unsuccessful. It was a daunting prospect but the panel were very nice and put us at ease.

Onwards and upwards now...

I’m sorry to hear that you were in successful did you feel like you had done enough to win. Nice to read positive comments also

Good morning and thank you for taking the time to read my post!
I have my child’s appeal hearing tomorrow (we had the group hearing via zoom yesterday which included 45 other parents wanting a place within the school)
My appeal is based on exceptional circumstances after we were offered a place within a mile from our home address. To most people this would sound ideal, but for us it is frightening.
My partner works for the child protection unit. Recently we have had to have a marker put on our address due to local youths finding out he is a serving police officer and threats were made to my daughter to bomb the house.
As you can imagine this has caused fear for ourselves but mainly our child as she is unable to play in our local area and advised to stick to being with us or in the back garden. She is totally isolated whilst at home. She currently attends a primary school 2.2 miles away from where we live and the school we are appealing for is the same distance for travel.
This has caused us concerns for our daughters safety and we have had involvement from our local police, fire brigade and safe guarding team. They offered us a support worker to help my child but I declined, not feeling it was necessary.
In order for my child to feel safe and attend education, we feel the school we are appealing for is the only one we can send our child to as we have support from a family and friend who live close to the school that provide my child with before and after school support as she is unable to be left at home on her own whilst we work shifts.
The school are over subscribed by 10 already compared to their original PAN.
I am nervous and frightened for the appeal tomorrow and was wondering if anyone had any advice?
I know these circumstances aren’t something some people will find ‘exceptional’ but in order for my child to attend a school and feel safe I feel this school is our only option.
Thank you in advance for any replies.

My school just had a successful appeal based on the fact that the allocated school had children in it that might attack the child due to a family DV case against her parent. So your case seems reasonable to me. But only the appeal panel on the day can decide I’m afraid.

@K4Z1981 I would start your own thread as some of the panel experts will more likely see it then. I think you have a good chance

Sorry this is rather late in the day but most appeal panels are aware of the need sometimes for there being a need to consider such situations. They are normally receptive these issues and will take this into consideration in making a decision. Having said that it will depend on the strength of the school's case not to admit.
The one thing you do need to do is marshal as much background information as it possible especially in relation to a manager confirming the issue and concerns are genuine

@Thischarmlessgirl

Yes we have and we’re successful Wishing you lots of luck, such a stressful time

So pleased for you. I remember your case from a previous thread. So glad you were successful. Us too!! Had to read the letter three times and could not believe it.

You’re right, it depends if someone else’s circumstances are classed as more important than ours. The majority of the parents in the group hearing were appealing based on distance and sibling, I feel so bad for anyone that has to go through this. It’s such an ordeal isn’t it?