NoBigDeal1 wrote:
If the Head Teacher of the school is on the Appeals panel stating why they can't offer your child a place as they are over subscribed. But they have promised a place to another student 'off the record' how independent is the process really? Surely they will influence the panel?
The HT
cannot be on the panel!!!
The role of the HT, or whoever is representing the admission authority (in this case, presumably the school in question is an academy?) is to present the school's case to the panel for not admitting the appellant(s); just as you, as the parent, are there to present your DC's case - to the panel - for being given a place at the school.
With your paperwork from the clerk to the IAP, you should have the names of the members of the panel (usually 3 - the Chair, one listed as 'Education' and the third as 'Lay', plus the name of the clerk and possibly - but not always in advance - the name of the school representative.
The head teacher of the school in question categorically should not be listed as a member of the panel itself.