If your child hasn’t been offered the secondary school of their choice today, you still have some options to try to get them a place at a different school. Appeals can be tricky, but here’s what you need to know about launching an appeal, and the alternative ways to get more secondary school options for your child.
Today is nicknamed National Offer Day, as many children and their parents will find out which secondary school they have been offered a place at for September.
However, many families might be disappointed by the school they’ve been offered for their child.
In these cases, you have a legal right to appeal the school’s decision.
According to the Good Schools Guide, only around 20 percent of appeals are successful across England, and as all are assessed on a case-by-case basis, it is impossible to predict your child’s chances of a successful appeal.
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You will then be offered an appeal hearing with representatives from the school.
ACE Education (formerly the Advisory Centre for Education) said: “At an appeal, the school will present their case for why they cannot take any extra children and why it would be bad for the school if they had to admit more children.
“You then present your reasons for why your child must go to this school even though it is full and why it would be bad for your child if they had to go to a different school.
“Try to support your case with evidence if you can. The appeal panel listens to both cases, asks questions and then decides which case is stronger.
“If you are successful your child will be given a place at the school even though it is already full.”
After your appeal hearing, the school should get back to you with their decision within five school days.
ACE Education added that appeals have to be stronger than a matter of preference, but have to outline why only this school will support your child’s needs.
For example, it might be related to special educational needs, or to a case of bullying.
You can access help writing appeals from some services, including the Good Schools Guide or phoning the ACE Education adviceline.
