The LA and school governing bodies will have done everything they can to meet the preference of parents whose applications were received by the due date in the first allocation of places within the limits of ‘efficient education and the efficient use of resources’.
Each school has a limit on the number of pupils it can accommodate. This means that some children may not be offered a place at their preferred school because there is no room. The LA and schools need to consider:
• The limit imposed by the physical size of the school and the number of pupils to each teacher in each class
• The LA’s duty to provide enough school places across the whole town, in areas where they are needed
• The need to keep to a workable minimum the number of spare places being maintained in the borough, so as not to waste any money on school places that are not needed
How do I start the appeal process?
Once you have decided to appeal you must complete an appeal form, which for community schools can be obtained from the One Stop Information Service (see foot of page) and for foundation and voluntary aided schools can be obtained from the relevant school. The information you supply must include:
• Name, address and date of birth of your child
• Name of the school you want
• Reasons why you want this school
• Your grounds for appeal
The completed appeal form for community schools should be sent to the Democratic and Member Support Services, Bournemouth Borough Council, Town Hall, Bourne Avenue , Bournemouth BH2 6DY , and for voluntary aided and foundation schools should be sent direct to the school.
What happens next?
As soon as possible you will be informed of the date, time and place at which the appeal panel will meet. The panel consists of three people who are not connected to the authority or the school concerned.
You are encouraged to attend and speak at the panel hearing if you wish. You may bring a friend to help you to put your points to the panel.
The appeal panel will pay particular attention to parental circumstances which support your application for the particular school, together with the admission authority’s reason for refusal. The appeals panel is not bound by the admission authority’s published criteria and has the power to exceed the school’s published admission number. The panel’s decision is binding on the LA, the school and the parents.
Is there anything I can do if the appeal is dismissed?
When an appeal is dismissed you cannot appeal against the decision of the panel. However, if you have a complaint about the way in which your appeal has been handled, and you feel that you have suffered injustice as a result of maladministration, you can complain to the Commission for Local Administration, known as the Ombudsman.
Can I appeal more than once?
All matters relating to appeals to foundation and voluntary aided schools are dealt with by the governing body of the school.
The LA will not consider a second or subsequent appeal for the same community school in the same academic year unless you can prove that there has been a significant change in your circumstances. The final decision as to whether this change warrants a fresh appeal will be made by the Council’s Head of Law and Administration. Such a change could include:
• Where a sibling link has been created at the preferred school that was not there at the time of the original appeal
• Where a change of address has occurred which means the home address is significantly closer to the preferred school or is now in the catchment area of the preferred school
• Where new evidence is introduced and is supported by a letter from the hospital consultant, psychologist, social worker or health visitor, which could not have been introduced at the time of the original hearing
These notes are intended to act as a guide to circumstances that may mean you can ask again for a place at a community school.
All such requests linked to a change in circumstances should be sent to the Children, Young People & Families service in the first instance, and marked for the attention of the Customer Services Team at the One Stop address (see the link 'How To Contact Us').
What if my child has special educational needs?
If your child has a Statement of Special Educational Needs and you are unsuccessful in your application for a place at a school, you do have a right of appeal. However you will need to contact the SEN Team on 01202 456166, who will advise you of the appeal process for children who have Statements, and can also put you in touch if required with Parent Link, an organisation that provides independent advice to parents.
Where can I get more information?
Full and detailed information about the appeals process for community schools, including a leaflet, is available from the One Stop Information Service.
One Stop Information Service
Dorset House, 20-22 Christchurch Road , Bournemouth , BH1 3NL Tel: (01202) 456223/4 , email
Details of the independent appeal arrangements in respect of foundation and voluntary aided schools can be obtained directly from the schools concerned.
