School Appeals
SJC Consultancy offers parents help and advice on their School Appeal. We can help every step of the way. An experienced independent panel member for several Local Authorities with over 18 years’ experience.
Having exercised your right to apply for the school of your choice, you may well be disappointed when this is not possible and another school is offered for your Childs education. This does not mean that your child will gain a place at your preferred school.
Parental choice often gets confused along the way. Parents have the right to express a preference, give reasons for that preference but that does not mean they have the right to choose the school. Parents you have the right of appeal should your child be refused a place at your preferred school.
SJC Consultancy can help you navigate through the school appeal procedure. We offer individual bespoke packages tailored to your own specific requirements coupled with an initial FREE consultation that is on a strictly no obligation basis.
We cover Local Education Authority, Academy, Foundation, Free, Voluntary Aided, Voluntary Controlled, Faith and Selective (Grammar) Schools. Our service includes both Secondary and Primary Schools.
With over 18 years’ experience SJC Consultancy can provide professional, independent and objective expert advice on all aspects of UK education.
What are the Appeal categories?
Infant Class Size Appeals
In Reception, Years 1 and 2, class sizes are limited to 30 and your application to a school can be declined if all the classes already have 30 children. Schools are entitled to limit the number of children they admit in infant classes to a maximum of 30. This number can and will only be increased in exceptional circumstances.
In-year Admissions
Parents for a variety of reasons move area and children need to move from one school to another school because of the change of area location. If a parent applies for a school place for their child which is outside of the normal round of admissions and their child is refused a place because the school is full, the parent will have a right of appeal. These appeals are classed as ‘in-year appeals’.
Secondary School Appeals
These appeals relate to pupils who are due to transfer to Secondary school at the age of 11.
Children with Statements of Special Educational Needs
An appeal against the refusal to admit a child who has a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan to a particular school would be brought in the First Tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability) and not an Admission Appeal Panel. This is a different process and focuses on your child's educational needs rather than on what prejudice would be caused if the child was not admitted to the parental choice of school.
How to book an appointment with us?
Email or telephone SJC. Leave your details and we will contact you at a time most convenient to you. Email, Skype or telephone whichever is most convenient for your individual requirements.
Fees
SJC Consultancy offers parents a range of packages to suit your individual requirements.
Bronze Package
You will guided through the process and given advice from an expert who has attended school admission appeals. With over 18 years’ experience as a panel member you will be advised on what to take into account in order to appeal. Taking into consideration the reasons for the refusal, the school’s admission arrangements, you’re personal circumstances and the law: You will also be advised on how to progress with your appeal. A telephone helpline and e-mail correspondence is available.
Silver Package
The Silver Package includes all the advice and support included in the Bronze package. In addition you will be informed about appeals procedures and the law so that you will know what to expect at the hearing. Suggestions will be made about how best to present yourself and your case to the independent appeals panel. When you receive the admissions authority's submission your adviser will scrutinise the case according to admissions law and you will be provided with relevant questions to ask before and during the appeal. This package includes a telephone helpline, e-mail correspondence and discussions up to the day of your appeal hearing.
Gold Package
The Gold Package includes all the advice and support included in the Bronze and Silver package, plus preparation of your written statement. With our help you can be confident that you will submit a full and comprehensive statement to the independent appeals panel that will outline your individual circumstances, issues relating to admissions law and any other relevant information that will ensure you submit the strongest case possible.
Titanium Package
The Titanium Package includes all advice and support in the Bronze, Silver and Gold packages, with an experienced consultant in attendance at the appeal hearing to support or represent you, giving you the best possible chances of success. Expenses will be invoiced and must be settled in full seven days prior to the hearing.