Filling in appeal form

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Rose_
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Mar 12, 2016 10:18 pm

Re: Filling in appeal form

Post by Rose_ »

I'm also trying to form my argument as I lodge the appeal and not sure how much to show my hand.

Part of my case is to do with the suitability of the school for my DD, but I also want to query that the PAN hasn't changed despite a new building with science classrooms has opened in December at the school, so technically they may not be full. Do I mention that at all in my reasons for appeal (either in the initial submission or in the more detailed bit with evidence), or do I just wait until the hearing to question the school's case? I want to see what information they provide beforehand, and am planning to request the information about the school's net capacity before the appeal to check whether they have reassessed their capacity, but I'm worried this will show my hand (but I know I want to have sight of this before the hearing).

How much do the school know about your individual case before the hearing, i.e. do they know that you're going to question their capacity if you mention it in the reasons to appeal?
Sally-Anne
Posts: 9235
Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2006 8:10 pm
Location: Buckinghamshire

Re: Filling in appeal form

Post by Sally-Anne »

You should receive a copy of the Net Capacity Assessment in your appeal paperwork.

Regarding which points to raise at Stage One of the appeal, take a read of the Appeals Q&A, C1: http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeal ... -school#c1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; , and note the last line in particular:
The vast majority of appeals are won or lost at stage 2, the parent’s case, and this is where your focus should be.
By all means raise questions about the recent buildings, because the panel may not be aware of the development, but beyond that you should focus on your own case.

And yes, the school's representative will receive a copy of your written case, just as you will receive a copy of theirs.
Rose_
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Mar 12, 2016 10:18 pm

Re: Filling in appeal form

Post by Rose_ »

Great, thank you, that helps - I'll save the concerns about net capacity for the hearing and just make sure we present a solid case for part 2.
BucksBornNBred
Posts: 1031
Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2015 4:01 pm

Re: Filling in appeal form

Post by BucksBornNBred »

Can I just say that you certainly need to find out as much information about the school as possible. In each of our cases stage 1 and stage 2 were on the same day; at the time we thought it was a bonus as we had to take less time off work, but in reality I think it is was a disadvantage. Parents at stage 1 often raise questions that could be relevant to your case, but if you have stage 2 on the same day (or in one case for us immediately after!) there is no time to "adjust" your arguments based on the new information. Not sure that is relevant in your case, but I just wanted to put it out there. Good luck :-)
SSSMM
Posts: 15
Joined: Fri Mar 04, 2016 11:23 am

Re: Filling in appeal form

Post by SSSMM »

Just to go back to your original post - I have sat on appeals panels and we get the paperwork about two weeks beforehand. We will read through everything and make notes on questions to ask on the day. There really is no need to read out the whole two pages in the appeal as everyone would be familiar with the appeal. Can I suggest you put as much detail as you can in the appeal letter and then just bullet point things you want to highlight from the appeal letter to read out on the day. The chair may even stop you if they realise you are reading the whole thing and explain that the panel would be familiar with what is in it which may throw you off and you may lose momentum and miss out on things you wanted to put across.
capers123
Posts: 1865
Joined: Sun May 13, 2007 9:03 pm
Location: Gloucestershire

Re: Filling in appeal form

Post by capers123 »

I agree with SSSMM in that it's probably best not to read out the whole thing. As well as having read it thoroughly in advance, us panel members will have it in front of us anyway - I can read faster than you can talk! Some parents do, however, insist on reading out all 2, 4 or 6 pages of their case. We have to listen in case there is something new.

It is far better to just concentrate on the two or three items that you really want the panel to take notice of, rather than telling the panel in detail of Johnny's passion for macrame (unless the school specialises in getting knotted).

If you have written out a new speech, the Clerk will be delighted if you have a copy to give to them as it will save them having to note it down - you don't have to show it to them before you say it, but do tell them before they start writing.
Capers
jpclgerard
Posts: 22
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2016 11:51 am

Re: Filling in appeal form

Post by jpclgerard »

Hold on, I'm confused. SallyAnne says not to put anything in the appeal letter, and others have said write it all out :? Which is best?
Sally-Anne
Posts: 9235
Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2006 8:10 pm
Location: Buckinghamshire

Re: Filling in appeal form

Post by Sally-Anne »

You can submit the initial form, requesting an appeal, without declaring anything about your case. All that does is trigger an appeal date.

In response to that you will get a letter either confirming the date of the appeal and the timescale for full paperwork, or advising you when you might hear about those dates, e.g. "later in the summer term".

Once you have an indication of the dates, that is the time to prepare your full case for submission. It reduces the time pressure on you now, gives you time to accumulate further evidence and, in cases relating only to oversubscription, gives the waiting list a chance to deliver a place.
jpclgerard
Posts: 22
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2016 11:51 am

Re: Filling in appeal form

Post by jpclgerard »

Wonderful. Thank you so much. I really do appreciate everyone's help, it's so difficult navigating all of this when one is stressed and worried.

Scanned copies of our paperwork to follow, hopefully during the Easter break, for some advice on our FCO argument. Do I just send it to the Appeals inbox? Should I start a new thread for it?
Sally-Anne
Posts: 9235
Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2006 8:10 pm
Location: Buckinghamshire

Re: Filling in appeal form

Post by Sally-Anne »

Yes, just send it to the AppealsBox in due course.

Please try to keep all the information about your appeal to your own original thread. These "asides" don't matter because you were commenting on advice given to another member.
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