Secondary school appeals template: comprehensive (non-selective) schools

YOUR NAME
YOUR ADDRESS

LOCAL AUTHORITY ADMISSIONS SERVICE NAME
LOCAL AUTHORITY ADMISSIONS SERVICE ADDRESS

DATE

Dear LOCAL ADMISSIONS OFFICER,

SCHOOL ADMISSION APPEAL FOR CHILD’S NAME TO ATTEND SCHOOL NAME

I would like to appeal against the decision of the admission authority not to offer CHILD’S NAME a place at SCHOOL NAME.

I set out below the grounds for my appeal:

The admission arrangements were not correctly and impartially applied in my case.

I believe that the admission arrangements were not correctly and impartially applied in my case and that this has effectively denied CHILD’S NAME a place at SCHOOL NAME.

Here, you can explain here what error you believe has been made.

Generally, an error will result from the admission authority not taking into consideration information provided with the application form.

Most decisions will involve a distance factor not having been applied correctly, either as a main criterion or a tiebreak. You will need to provide written evidence to substantiate this. For example, if the distance criterion was incorrectly applied, you might use mapping software to prove your distance from the school.

The school can accommodate CHILD’S NAME without causing prejudice.

I believe that the school can accommodate CHILD’S NAME without causing prejudice. I will provide more information after I have received the admission authority’s case in due course.

The admission authority will provide a written statement about a week before the appeal hearing explaining why they believe that they are unable to admit any pupils above the published admission number. You will have the opportunity to question this at the appeal.

Why I would like CHILD’S NAME to attend SCHOOL NAME.

The reasons that I would like CHILD’S NAME to attend SCHOOL NAME are as follows:

Here, you can explain in detail why you would like your child to attend the school. This can include medical or social reasons, but you will need to support this with written evidence from a professional such as a doctor, consultant, social worker or other professional. You can list educational issues, friendship issues, logistical issues or anything else that supports your appeal.

The appeal panel is not bound by the admission criteria for the school and is required to consider each appeal on its own merits. However, as the panel exercises a judicial function, written supporting evidence from a third party will always help.

Why it would not be suitable for CHILD’s NAME to attend NAME OF SCHOOL WHERE THEY HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED A PLACE.

I believe that it would not be suitable for CHILD’S NAME to attend ALLOCATED SCHOOL NAME for the following reasons:

Here, you can explain any problems that might be caused by your child attending the allocated school.

The allocated school might be one of your original preferences or the default school allocated by the local authority.

The reasons may be social, academic or logistical, such as significant difficulties getting to and from the allocated school. These are all factors that an appeal panel can consider.

Additional considerations.

In addition to the above points, I would like the appeal panel to take into consideration the following points:

Here, you can include any additional points that you would like the appeal panel to consider that are not covered by the points made above.

In support of this appeal please find attached the following documents:

Provide a list of the supporting documents you’re submitting.

These could include a letter from your child’s doctor or consultant, social worker or any other professional support. Any other letters of support can also be attached.

I look forward to hearing from you with details of when the appeal will be heard.

Yours truly.

YOUR SIGNATURE
YOUR NAME

With thanks to John Chard of School Appeals.