Advice on how to appeal application outcome

[esralita]

We just found out that our son did not get into any of the secondary schools that we applied to. We missed the cut off point of our second choice by 0.01 miles. Everyone else on our street got in. Our son is distraught. Especially with the alternative we got offered. No one else from his class will go there. Not only did nearly all of his class get into the school he was hoping to get into but he is dyslexic and very much needs a familiar structure and friends, particularly during the transition. The school admissions website states that we have to wait until March 22nd to find out where on the waiting list we are. I assume pretty high up given that we are only 0.01mile off. I am wondering whether we should also appeal rather than just wait it out and hope for some movement on the waiting lists? Any advice on how to spin the appeal. As I said, our son is dyslexic but does not have an EHCP plan as he doesn't qualify. We have a full dyslexia assessment report though and could also ask his school teacher & SenCo to confirm that he has special needs. Would that be enough of a reason for an appeal?

What is the timeline for appeals? Is it worth waiting till 22nd March - there is always some movement on places and as you are so close to the cut off you may find you don't need to jump through the hoops of an appeal.

Did you use all 5 choices to apply? If you missed the school of choice 2 by 0.01 miles surely your next choice will have some class mates attending/availabity? And can’t be that much further away?

the ones lower down the list are either oversubscribed, too far, girls only or no one wants to go there.

Think you would need to make a direct link between the dyslexia and how that particular school would support it. Any other clubs, subjects, activities etc that would appeal? Sounds like you have a good chance of a place from wl anyway.

The appeal deadline is April 3rd. There is a chance we might get positive news before but there is no guarantee and once we reach March 22nd there won't be much time left to gather all the documentation needed for an appeal.

that's good to know.

Did you include your nearest secondary school in your preferences? What is your concern about the educational offer and support available for children with dyslexia in the school you have been offered?

You will very likely be high on the waiting list, but an appeal will be independent of that.

To win an appeal, you have to demonstrate that the prejudice (detriment) to your child if they don’t attend the school outweighs the prejudice to the school in having to cater for an extra pupil.

The fact your child has dyslexia is unlikely on its own to be enough to win the appeal, as the school will no doubt argue that all schools have pupils with dyslexia and can meet their needs. You would need to show that the preferred school was in some way better able to meet your child’s needs. Similarly, the school is likely to argue that all schools are used to new pupils being nervous and will help them settle, so you would need evidence from (say) a paediatrician to confirm that your child has a particular need to be with friends from primary school and will be disadvantaged if they are not.

Another thing I should mention is that you could argue that 0.01 miles is such a small distance that, unless the measurement system is very very accurate, there must be some doubt about whether you do live farther than the last place offered.

You are right. That’s literally the distance from our front door to our garden.
The school we got offered has a Christian Ethos and from what I hear religion plays a big role there. Our preferred schools are non-religious and have more of a global citizen view which fits much better with our belief system. I suppose that can’t be used as one of the reasons for the appeal.

We missed our first choice last year and went on the waiting list. We also put in the appeal. Our appeal hearing was really late in the term, beginning of July. We got in on the waiting list in the last week of term, just before the appeal so we didn't have to do it! If you email admissions they should be able to tell you the position on waiting list. We were 3rd on 1st March and got in in July.

I think you’re right - wanting a school with a world citizen ethos is about what you as a parent prefer, not what your child needs. Look at things like curriculum offered, clubs and extra curricular activities, support programmes for dyslexia etc, in case there is something there which shows that this school would benefit your child.

Absolutely appeal, the process is there for you to use. You can always withdraw before the hearing if offered a place at one of your choices (hopefully your first choice) later. Start gathering every bit of evidence you want to submit now. Research carefully what the school you want can offer your child in comparison to the one offered. Appeal to all your preference schools if you feel you have grounds.

I would check the measuring has been correctly as there can be faults.