School Admission Appeal Panellist Information
Are you interested in becoming a Panel Member to hear school admission appeals? There is no specific qualifications or experience needed and almost anyone can take on the role. People with all types of knowledge, background and experience are welcome to apply.
School Admission Appeal Panels are made up of the following:
- lay people (someone without personal experience in the management of any school or provision of education in any school (except as a school governor or in another voluntary capacity));
b) people who have experience in education, who are acquainted with educational conditions in the local authority area, or who are parents of registered pupils at school.
Requirements of an Independent Admission Appeals Panel
- You will sit on an independent admission appeal panel with 2 other panellists to hear the School Admission Appeal case from the parent/carer as to why their child should attend the school, and the school’s case as to why they cannot accept an additional child.
- Ensure that parents feel they have had a fair and independent hearing and been given every opportunity to put their case and that the points they have made have been taken seriously and carefully considered.
- Follow the two-stage decision making process for all admission appeals
Applicants with the following qualities and skills should apply:
- The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people
- The ability to read and assess information and identify key points/issues
- The ability to listen to information and identify key points and issues
- The ability to ask questions to obtain information and clarify points being made
- The ability to analyse information and use it to form opinions and conclusions
- The ability to obtain and weigh up evidence to reach reasoned decisions based on that evidence
- Willingness to work as part of a team
- Willingness to take advice
- Willingness to develop your own skills and knowledge
- An understanding that if you became a panellist all information received would be confidential and must not be shared with anyone
Time required
The amount of time that a panellist will spend at appeal hearings will vary depending on the amount of time that they have available. This would ideally suit anyone that is retired, not working or has a flexible working pattern.
The majority of appeals are for Year 7 and Reception entry in September and are heard between May and July. In year appeals are heard throughout the academic year but are smaller in numbers.
Appeal hearings can last from ½ day to 4 days depending on the number of appeals a school receives. Panellists will be asked for their availability in advance of the summer appeals and will be advised in advance if they are needed for a panel.
The School Admission Appeals Code 2022 allows appeals to be heard virtually, which will either be via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or a Telephone conference call.
You will need access to a computer and telephone and the internet capacity to attend virtual appeal hearings.
Full training will be given to carry out this important and rewarding role. This is a voluntary role but you will receive expenses for the day(s) you are attending appeal hearings.
We are committed to equal opportunities for all and would welcome interest from diverse and underrepresented groups.
Thank you for your interest in School Admission Appeals.
If you are interested, please email Sharon at info@sharonoliverconsultancy.co.uk