Your first for kids?

ORDER TO APPEAL DECISION

definite chance that this will help. In some areas, children are placed on waiting lists automatically, but it’s worth checking whether or not that is the case for you.

Bear in mind that waiting lists are usually complied based on the school’s admissions priorities, not on a first come, first served basis.

This means that it won’t necessarily ruin your chances if you haven’t got in contact with the school immediately, but on the other hand, simply getting yourself on the list early won’t guarantee you’ll be at the top.

Have a read through your chosen school’s oversubscription criteria, published on their website, to get a realistic idea of your chances.

You may appeal against rejection from more than one school, but you may only appeal the decision of each school once.

The independent appeal panel will consider whether the consequences for your child if they don’t get in to the school will be worse than the consequences for the Getting on a waiting school if accepting your list is a separate process child leads to overcrowding. to appealing, and the two processes won’t affect They’ll also consider each other. whether the school’s published admissions arrangements have been properly followed.

To give yourself the best possible chance of success, do your research, and make sure you have a strong case in your favour.

According to the Advisory Centre for Education, the curriculum, facilities and location of the school could all be relevant factors.

Back your argument up with evidence where possible, such as a letter from a doctor or similar professional explaining medical or social reasons why your child must attend the school in question.

You have the right to appeal if you think there is a good reason that your child should attend a particular school where they have been refused a place, or if you believe something has gone wrong in the admissions process.

If your admissions letter does not contain an appeal form or details of how to get one, contact your council’s school admissions team, found on the council website, and ask for one. Remember to check the deadline for lodging an appeal.