Sec
ondary school offer day is here once again and many parents are concerned for their child’s future, as they did not get a school of choice.
The media will always report that a high percentage of children didn’t get their 1st preference school. As we all know there is no guarantee of getting the 1st preference, as the school is mostly likely oversubscribed, (has received more applications than there are places). Parents will be urged to appeal, as the School Standard and Framework Act (SSFA) gives them the right.
Parents/Carers should be aware that the school will not be holding any places back for appeals that are upheld by an Independent Appeals Panel. The school will have to go over their published admission number and offer the child a place.
Appeals are generally only upheld for exceptional medical or social reasons or if mal-administration has occurred.
Parents/Carers should think carefully before appealing as the appeal hearing can be very stressful. Before deciding whether to appeal, talk to the school in question and find out if your child is on the waiting list, and the likelihood of a place becoming available before September. Find out how many appeals were heard the previous year and if any were upheld etc.
Things for parents/carers to consider before appealing:
- You have 20 days to appeal from the date of your decline letter.
- Speak to the school before appealing to find out more information.
- Speak to the other schools you applied for but have not been offered a place, to see if your child is on the waiting list.
- Speak to your local authority admissions dept. to find out if there are any places available at other schools , you might want to consider applying for.
- The school will not be holding any places back for upheld appeals.
- Schools have to pay for appeals to be heard, which comes out of their funding.
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