Statement question regarding schools

[nickminiink]

Hi,
As mentioned in my other posts we are awaiting to go to tribunal in June for refusing a statement. If we won and a statement issued does the LEA nominate the school my son has to attend as we do want to take my son away from his friends when he moves to secondary in September. He attends mainstream primary now can we insist that he attends our prefered mainstream scecondary if we won the appeal.

This may be a stupid question and apologise for that, but the answer will determine if to continue with the long battle ahead of us.

Thanks
Nick

If you get a statement, the LA have to name the parents preferred school UNLESS there is a very good demonstratable reason why not.

All things being equal (and they invariably are - or are supposed to be, when it comes to state maintained schools) then they would be expected to name the school you choose.

Things that make it unequal are if your preference is for an independent, or expensive placement.

I was 'allowed' my choice of secondary, which is not DS2's closest secondary, if I signed a form saying I would pay for transport, as in the LA's opinion the closer school was equally good. Small potatoes in the grand scheme of things.

Thanks for your replies, this has put my mind at ease as I really want him to go where his friends are very important to him.