2025 Appeal

[AvidLemonPoet]

Hello,
Seeking advice about a Year 9 school appeal for my DD. Her best friend attends the school (DD has been bullied and needs her support in school environment), she is not being challenged where she is now to an extent where she is refusing and having to go with encouragement, there is a lot of disruption in a mixed school, there are a lot of sports opportunities for females and music clubs (DD plays varies instruments and has a passion for music). Is there any chance? What points to include? I don't want to pay for a consultant. How do I defeat the idea of prejudice and lack of space/resources. They are over-subscribed.

Forget best friend and bullyimg. You are appealing for the school so the sports and music opportunities are relevant if you can evidence her interest and prowess. MH might be useful if healthcare professionals state that this school is important for her in their opinion.

Thank you

Best friend is definitely not relevant. However, although you are appealing for the school you want rather than against the school you've got, the bullying may be relevant if you can show that your daughter is being bullied, the school is aware of this and they have failed to do anything effective to stop it. Other than that, I agree with @LIZS

@prh47bridge @LIZS After a specific community tragedy that occurred, their camaraderie is more than friendship. My DD needs her friend to thrive in the school environment after the emotional upheaval of the bullying

Nonetheless, the friendship is unlikely to be given any weight by the appeal panel unless you can get evidence from medical professionals or similar stating that, in their professional opinion, your daughter needs to attend the same school as her friend.

And are you certain that friend (and her parents) are willing to assume the support role? It seems a lot of expectation to put on a 13/14 year old.

I really would steer clear of the friend being needed to support your daughter - the friend isn’t a qualified carer and might like a break from supporting your daughter whilst at school.
Your daughter would be better going for counselling regarding the specific community tragedy.

@100PercentFaithful @LIZS My daughter's friend was involved personally in the tragedy and my DD has been a network of support for her. Are families are close and my DD's friend is more than enthusiastic for DD to attend the school. We do have access to medical evidence for DD to attend the school specifically for this reason.

*our lol