We applied to a school where there was a change in the admissions policy. In previous years, the top 650 applicants had their English paper marked and my elder DS was given a place from the waiting list having ranked close to 600. Unfortunately, admissions policy was changed with ‘Top 500 applicants deemed selective’ and ‘50 are held on a waiting list’.
We are appealing with strong academic evidence as my younger DS was ranked at 560 and didn’t have his English paper marked. Should we include or argue the change in policy as after out of catchment were excluded, there is only 31 on the waiting list. They definitely went below that number last year? Their policy doesn’t explain what they will do! Or shall we appeal strictly on academic evidence?

The normal advice would be that at stage one, when the school case is being considered, you ask any questions about the admission arrangements.

Don't make the admission arrangements part of your case unless there is evidence of maladministration.

Your case, at stage two, should comprise academic evidence and reasons for wanting or needing a place.
As an aside, you could slip in just a single sentence that it seems a shame your son may have been disadvantaged by a change in policy!

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Etienne

Thank you so much. Should we skip in that sentence on the opening statement ... or when we speak at stage 2?

Anything to do with your son is usually going to be a matter for stage 2.

Stage 1 is for asking questions about the school case.
https://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appea ... -school#c1

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Etienne

Sorry, I meant in the submission of evidence, shall we note that On the front page overview or mention at the hearing?
Thank you so much for you time

It's an aside that is best spoken with a rueful smile when face to face with the panel. Provided the admission authority has done everything correctly, the most you can hope for is a bit of sympathy from the panel!

However, we don't know what changes the government might make in the current situation (e.g. whether appeals might be turned into a 'paper only' procedure), so on this occasion it might be preferable to put everything in writing.

In addition to your academic evidence, you must have a section 'Reasons for preference'. I assume one reason will be the family connection with the school, namely that your elder son was successful in gaining a place.
You could add how very upset your younger son is at not being able to emulate his brother, and that in his eyes he has been disadvantaged by a change in the admissions policy.

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Etienne

Our appeal is via Zoom in 2 weeks. We have received documentation from the Clerk with a printout stating the schools case. In there, it states that there are 31 on the waiting list where the website admissions code states 50 will be placed on the waiting list. Last year, they reached no 37 and today, they have reached no 27! Do you think it wil have any detrimental affect in our appeal to question this? Do we send the clerk an email As they have asked to submit questions directed to the school 3 days prior or do we leave it?
Thanks so much

I don't think so. It is perfectly reasonable to seek clarification about any aspect of the school's case that you would like explained.

You may as well comply, but I'm not sure why they're doing this when they're using zoom rather than a 'paper only' procedure.
I suggest you ask in your email whether this means appellants will not be able to ask questions during the hearing.

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Etienne