appeal & new admissions code

Consult our experts on 11 Plus appeals or any other type of school appeal

Moderators: Section Moderators, Forum Moderators

Post Reply
11 Plus Platform - Online Practice Makes Perfect - Try Now
Alex44
Posts: 33
Joined: Fri Mar 09, 2012 12:49 pm

appeal & new admissions code

Post by Alex44 »

I am new to the forum so would appreciate any guidance!
I have been reading the new 2012 admission code and wonder if any of the points it make can be used to reinforce an appeal this May. For example, the new code now states the following -
random selection should not be used as the main oversubscription, academies can increase their PAN without consultation, even mid year,
the number of good school places must be increased by making it easier to take more pupils.
I understand that the new code refers to 2013 / 2014 admissions but the above changes may have enabled my child to secure a place at his local school. :?:
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Re: new admissions code

Post by Etienne »

I can't see this helping you, because the appeal panel will only want to ascertain whether the existing admission arrangements have been correctly applied.

I suggest your focus should be on reasons for wanting a place at the school in question.
Etienne
capers123
Posts: 1865
Joined: Sun May 13, 2007 9:03 pm
Location: Gloucestershire

Re: new admissions code

Post by capers123 »

An appeal can only be against the current admissions arrangements - each school will have published them in advance (after public consultation), and those are the arrangements for the current intake.

The future code will only affect future intakes, and again each school will have to publish draft proposals, taking the new code into account, for public scrutiny.

If you choose to re-apply in 2013, then the new code will apply, but not before that.
Capers
Alex44
Posts: 33
Joined: Fri Mar 09, 2012 12:49 pm

Re: new admissions code

Post by Alex44 »

Many thanks, I will bear that in mind.
Alex44
Posts: 33
Joined: Fri Mar 09, 2012 12:49 pm

Advice for an appeal based on distance, random allocation

Post by Alex44 »

Please could anyone advise me on the best way to approach an appeal based on proximity / suitability of the child to the school. Our local, single sex school is heavily oversubscribed, with sibling link followed by random allocation (lottery / banding). There are 10% places based on aptitude but no distance criterion. The equal preference system enables the whole county to put it as their first choice but have a good local school as their back up. Unfortunately for us, we live only 0.5 mile away from the school and our alternative school, 3 miles away is really struggling.
My child ticks all the boxes with regard to the school's specialisms, ethos and ability and is distraught that what seem as the perfect fit school, just around the corner, can't offer a place. The school was forced to change to a lottery system a few years ago but is still very vocal about the fact they think it's outrageous they can't offer all the places to children that suit the school's specialisms and ethos.
The school is an Academy so will it appoint the appeal panel?
Thanks!
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Re: Advice for an appeal based on distance, random allocatio

Post by Etienne »

My child ticks all the boxes with regard to the school's specialisms, ethos and ability and is distraught that what seem as the perfect fit school, just around the corner, can't offer a place.
That sounds like a reasonable case. The panel is free to consider any arguments you put forward as they are not bound by the admission criteria. Where possible, e.g. aptitude for school's specialisms, back up your statements with evidence.
The school is an Academy so will it appoint the appeal panel?
Yes - or it could 'hire' a panel from elsewhere.
Etienne
Alex44
Posts: 33
Joined: Fri Mar 09, 2012 12:49 pm

Re: appeal & new admissions code

Post by Alex44 »

Thank you, that's very helpful.
I feel I have some good evidence to support why this school is so suitable for my child and vice versa but I am not sure how far to go with the details about why the allocated school is unsuitable.
I have visited the allocated school on a number of occasions and put it as our second choice as we realistically have no chance of getting a place at any oversubscribed school in the county. Looking in detail at its prospectus and ofsted it does not provide the opportunities and challenges for high achievers and is more focused on being "safe, secure and calm", it has dealt with a lot of challenging behaviours in the past. Is this relevant, how much do I need to emphasise its unsuitability?
Also, my child is becoming increasingly distressed by having to walk past the sea of children attending our local school and will have to continue to do so by bus or bike if he starts at the allocated school in September. His school friends who were successfully randomly allocated a place are now in frequent discussion in front of my child about all the great things the school has to offer, with the school already corresponding with them to get them involved in the wealth of clubs and activities and it's excruciating for him. But is this relevant, or just the norm?
There will be many appeals for this school so I suppose I am worried about not standing out.

Your help is much appreciated! :?
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Re: appeal & new admissions code

Post by Etienne »

I am not sure how far to go with the details about why the allocated school is unsuitable ....... it has dealt with a lot of challenging behaviours in the past. Is this relevant, how much do I need to emphasise its unsuitability?
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeal ... school#c10" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
There will be many appeals for this school so I suppose I am worried about not standing out.
That indeed is the problem.
my child is becoming increasingly distressed by having to walk past the sea of children attending our local school and will have to continue to do so by bus or bike if he starts at the allocated school in September. His school friends who were successfully randomly allocated a place are now in frequent discussion in front of my child about all the great things the school has to offer, with the school already corresponding with them to get them involved in the wealth of clubs and activities and it's excruciating for him. But is this relevant, or just the norm?
Some would say it's not relevant, but I think it can help to convey your son's enthusiasm for the school, and his distress at not securing a place. Panels vary, but if you can get their sympathy, they might try harder to justify allowing the appeal!

Do read through the Q&As, especially section C - you might possibly find points you haven't even thought of!
Etienne
Alex44
Posts: 33
Joined: Fri Mar 09, 2012 12:49 pm

Re: appeal & new admissions code

Post by Alex44 »

Many thanks for your advice & help!

I have looked at the links you have suggested and have started gathering evidence to support my child's suitability.
I also need some advice on the following point please ....The school's senior team have been very vocal in the press about disagreeing with the random allocation system they are forced to use and state they would strongly support returning to a system whereby they could allocate all of its places to children who have the skills which match the school's specialisms (rather than just a small %). Is this fact relevant in support for the case that the school would seek to allocate a place (in theory) to my child, if its hands weren't tied by current legislation?

Thank you :)
WillowTheWisp
Posts: 36
Joined: Mon Mar 12, 2012 1:49 pm

Re: appeal & new admissions code

Post by WillowTheWisp »

In an appeal it won't be the school allocating a place to anyone, it's a panel of independant members. They will only be looking to confirm the admission criteria was met and if it was you will have no argument against it.

You, I would recommend, need to focus on the reasons why this school is best for your child - not being distracted by how they allocate (despite the unfairness of it), it was published in advance and therefore cannot be overturned by the panel.

Good luck! :D
Post Reply
11 Plus Mocks - Practise the real exam experience - Book Now