What happens if I don’t get the school I wanted?

Consider whether the school you have been offered can meet your child’s needs.  If you feel it doesn’t, you have the right to appeal for the school you wanted.  However, this does not guarantee that you will get a place there.

How do I appeal?

If your child is not allocated a place at the school you prefer, you have the right to appeal. The letter you receive telling you that admission to your preferred school has been refused will also contain information on how to appeal. They will provide details of the Surrey Schools Appeal Service who can be contacted on tel: 08456 009 009

They will send you an appeal form and instructions on how to make an appeal.  Further detailed information on all aspects of the appeals process can be found on the Surrey County Council website appeals page

What are the basic steps to making an appeal?

• Contact the Surrey Schools Appeals Service for an appeal form on 08456 009 009

• Prepare the form and any evidence that you might have to back up your appeal.  You should state all the reasons for your appeal.  Reflect the views of your child in the appeal.

• If you use supporting evidence such as medical evidence get written confirmation from your GP/specialist.

• For September 2008 admissions the last date to lodge an appeal is 18th April 2008 (You can send any further evidence at a later date if it is not ready in time).

• The clerk to the appeal panel will write to tell you when the appeal will be heard.

• You should go to the appeals hearing.  You can take a friend to support you if you wish.
  

Is there any help available to me to help me complete the forms and plan my case?

Yes.  The Surrey Schools Appeal Service is able to give you advice and provide guidance and information.  Their website provides information on the appeal process.  If you need further help you can contact the Choice Advisor on the Partnership with Parents helpline on 01737 737300 and request support with this.

What will happen on the day of the Appeal?

The people attending the appeal will be:

The Appeal Panel of between three and five members.  They are independent of the school and the admissions authority and are specially trained for this role.  They must be fair to all parties at all times.

The Clerk to the Panel will make sure that you understand the procedure and that the relevant facts are presented, and give independent advice on the law.  They will make a written record of the appeal.

The Presenting Officer is a person from the admissions authority.  They present the decision not to admit the child as clearly as possible.  They must be prepared to answer detailed questions. 

The Parent.  It is in your best interest to attend the meeting although it is not compulsory.  (The appeal would be heard in your absence if you did not attend.)  You may take a friend (this could be someone who will support you through the appeals process).  Your role will be to present your case to the panel and be prepared to answer any questions.  You can also ask the presenting officer any questions you may have.

How does the panel reach its decision?

The panel has two stages to consider:

FACTUAL STAGE is the first stage
Has the school reached its published admission number?

BALANCING STAGE is the second stage
The panel have to make a balanced judgement.  They will consider whether the benefits for your child going to the school you are appealing for outweigh the negative effects on the school having one more pupil.  They will need to decide which case is stronger.  If they decide your case is stronger they will uphold your appeal.

Will I be told at the time whether my appeal has been successful?

No you will be advised in writing.  If your case was one of a group of appeals for the same year group, you will not be notified of the decision until all of the appeals for the school have been heard. This may mean that you will have to wait a few days for the decision of your appeal.

Can I appeal again if my appeal is unsuccessful?

Further appeals cannot be made once the panel has made a decision.  The appeal panel’s decision is binding on both sides

You can only make one appeal each academic year unless there is a significant change in circumstances of the child family or school.

If you are unhappy about the panel’s decision because the correct procedures were not followed then you are able to appeal to the local authority Ombudsman to investigate.