Secondary Applications

[Upwardtrajectory]

So, the time is coming to apply for a secondary place for my DD, and I have a question, if I may.

All the schools have clearly published admissions criteria, and are presumably bound by them.

So, when the application form gives a space to write comments in support of your application, what could you write that might make any difference?
There’s boxes to tick for if you meet the looked after child / EHCPs or sibling criteria, and separate forms available from schools that have their own criteria, in addition to the council online form.

We are in Kent, if it makes a difference.

Thanks

No not really.

Occasionally it might help indicate you have gone for the wrong category.
e.g. 'I want this school for DC as my foster child already attends' but you didn't realise that counted as sibling link.

There is nothing you can write that will make any difference (I work in a school and deal with admissions). We read the comments and if they reference one of the conditions that would affect their ranking (eg EHCP, LAC or a sibling) but haven't ticked that box, we would reach out to the LA for confirmation (or for sibling we'd simply rank them as a sibling if we could verify that) but other than that, they're just comments we read.

This is an endless source of frustration for appeals panels!

There is nothing you can write that will make a difference. Admissions are done on where you fit into the criteria. As the PP said, the only possible use is if you fit into a specific criteria and writing in there just ensures there is a double record of your applying under that (or as a catch if you manage to tick the wrong application criteria box by mistake).

Every year appeals panels hear arguments where parents say they explained their issues with transport/childminders/work etc in the box but it was ignored, and we have to explain that yes it all has to be unless it directly applies to an admissions criteria.

Thanks everyone!

I used it for primary to
emphasise the sibling link, which seemed like slightly paranoid overkill , but apparently not 😂

Does suggest the form needs a tweek though. I mean, I couldn’t imagine what you’d put in there, but if people are answering the question and then appealing on that basis it would seem to be a bit mis-leading.

The comments section is only useful if you are stating something that is relevant to the application that you want to make sure isn't overlooked, such as:

"Documents supporting application for placement for exceptional social need were hand delivered to (location) on (date) receipt sign by MsX"

"Applicant uses a wheelchair and it would be unreasonable to allocate them a school that is not accessible. All the preferences we have listed are suitable"

(If a sibling link in a school with catchments) "When we moved we were allocated this school as it was the only one with a space. You agreed that younger DC would be treated as in-catchment siblings despite address - email from Ms Y (date) confirms this"

The space is on the form because it has to be. A little bit of a safety net for those with unusual circumstances.

Ah ok, that makes sense. I guess if you need it, you need it.
Could do with re-phrase though!

The Admissions Code requires the LA to include a space where parents can state their reasons for their preferences. Since those reasons do not form any part of the decision-making process, my view is that it is misleading and should be dropped. A box for supporting information would make more sense.