Parents naturally want the very best for their children, particularly regarding their education.
So, when your child is allocated a place at a school, which was not your preference, it isn't easy to know what steps to take.
Our team of experienced lawyers have extensive experience in education law and understand the workings of the School Admissions Appeal process in detail.
Contact our school admission appeal solicitors today and find out how we can help.
School Admissions Appeal Process
The thought of sending your child to a school where you believe they will not fit in or be able to flourish to their full potential is a cause of great anxiety to parents and guardians.
As parents, you have a right to appeal a decision of the admission authority and ask for your appeal to be heard by the School Admissions Appeal Panel.
The appeal hearing will give you a short period to make representations as to why your child should be given a place at your preferred school rather than the one at which they have been allocated.
Admission authorities must set a timetable for organising and hearing appeals, including a deadline for lodging appeals, allowing you at least 20 school days from the date of notification that your application was unsuccessful to prepare and lodge your written appeal.
Once an appeal has been lodged, you will receive ten school days' notice of the appeal hearing itself.
These deadlines are strict, and all evidence relating to your appeal must be served in good time and before the appeal hearing.
School Admission Appeals – Things To Consider
When considering an appeal for a school admission, it is important to consider a few key points.
Admission criteria
Firstly, it's essential to review the school's admission criteria and understand why your child was not offered a place. For example, if you fall just outside the catchment area, is it worth challenging how the distance is measured?
Evidence to support appeal
Secondly, gathering evidence to support your appeal is vital, such as your child's academic record or extenuating circumstances that may have affected their performance. You may have a preference for single or mixed-sex schooling for your child. Or perhaps there are concerns about bullying (this is always a high priority for panels but must be evidenced).
Grounds for appeal
Thirdly, it is important to carefully consider the grounds for appeal, such as an error in the admission process or a change in your circumstances.
We would strongly recommend seeking legal advice from an experienced education law solicitor to ensure that your appeal is presented in the best possible light.
With the right preparation and support, you can increase your chances of success in securing a place for your child at the school of your choice.
Contact Our School Admission Appeals Solicitors
Please get in touch with our team of education solicitors to ensure you have the best opportunity of satisfying the School Admissions Appeal Panel that your child should be admitted to your preferred school.
Our team will be able to guide you through the whole process, from communicating on your behalf to the admissions authority, making written representations and advocating on your behalf at an appeal hearing.
If you would like to speak to our expert legal team about this, or any related subject then please contact our team by phone on 0207 936 6329, Email or by completing our Quick Contact Form below.