High school appeal help 😳

[EagerEagle]

Hi. I’m a little overwhelmed and need some help just to start the appeal form! I know why I am appealing but can’t seem to find the words… I am appealing for my child to attend a school out of catchment (10 miles) actually out of county. We have been allocated a local school in our nearest town, however my job is that I go into schools in our county including the one my child has been allocated and feel it isn’t suitable DC attend due to a ‘conflict of interest’. I have been reading that this isn’t a valid reason and it needs to be more centered on ‘why that school’ we chose this school because it’s just a really good school.. I don’t think this will be though. Anyone been through this ‘conflict of interest’ any advice on words. Thank you

Without knowing more about this conflict of interest it is impossible to say for sure, but it doesn't sound promising as grounds for appeal unless it raises a safeguarding concern for your child.

I agree, unless the conflict of interest relates to something serious in terms of safeguarding - like to do with DA for example, relating directly to someone at the allocated school - then I don't think your case is strong. Fully understand why you might not want to disclose more about it tho.

The fact that the preference school is really good will not be any grounds for appeal unfortunately.

Many thanks for your reply’s, I work in the public sector, I am mindful not to disclose to much information but I know it would help people on here understand the ‘conflict of interest’.

I am now thinking I need to change my appeal reasons.. or not base it on that and more on the facility’s the school has, it’s the only school out of county which is a good school and has a travel link in our village.. again any help would be very much appreciated ☺️

Setting aside the conflict reason seeing as that’s not grounds for appeal, why is the other school more suitable/what can it offer that DC needs, which the current school can’t?

Also does your DC have any additional needs that would be better supported in the new school?

Sorry OP rereading your posts, it looks as tho the conflict comes from you working in the school... this should not be an issue tbh unless there is some very specific reason relating to your DC. Lots of people teach in the same school their DC go to and of course they know lots of information about other students at the school - but of course they keep that separate from their own DC.

Wrt the preferred school, unfortunately transport is not usually accepted as a reason. What does the school offer that would be particularly suitable for your DC?

No sorry I do not work for the school.

If you want more detailed advice about the conflict of interest without releasing the information on here, feel free to PM me.