Frequently asked questions

If a school is refused due to the infant class size limit having been reached the panel would listen to your case to check that a) the child would have been offered a place if the admissions arrangements had been properly implemented  b) the child would have been offered a place if the arrangements had not been contrary to mandatory provisions in the School Admissions Code and the School Standards Framework Act and c) the decision to refuse admission was not one which a reasonable admission authority would make in the circumstances of the case. If they feel that  grounds a)  b) or c) is proven then your infant class size appeal would be unsuccessful. If they feel that grounds a) b) or c) has been proven then the infant class size appeal would be successful.

For the school year 2010/11, the Local Authority dealt with 103 infant class size appeals. Only 3 parents won their infant class size appeal.

If a school is refused because the year group is full but the class is not at infant class size, then the panel would weigh the parents’ reasons for wanting a particular school against the school numbers and the needs of the children already in the classes. If they feel the parent’s reasons are stronger than the numbers and needs of the existing children in the classes they have the power to award a place at the school. If they feel the school’s case is the stronger then the child remains on the reserve list just as it would have if no appeal had been made.

Therefore panel members can allocate school places even if a school is full.

For the school year 2010/2011, the Local Authority dealt with 146 appeals for primary school places and 245 for secondary school places. Of these, 58 primary and 82 secondary appeals were successful.

For individual hearings one hour is usually allocated. For block hearings (where 2 or more families are requesting a hearing for the same year group at the same school) there will be 2 parts to the appeal process per family. The first part is where all families hear the Local Authority’s case and have the opportunity to ask questions of this case. Timings for this part of the hearing can vary according to the number of appellants.  The second part is held with each family individually giving them the opportunity to discuss their individual circumstances. This is normally a half an hour slot.

We do not recommend that children are brought along to the appeal. Hearings are a legal proceeding and we would therefore ask, that if there is the need for your child to accompany you to the appeal, that you also please arrange for a responsible adult to be available to provide child care for them, as the panel members can request, and may decide, that it is not in the best interest for the child to be present throughout the appeal hearing.

Appeal hearings are not held at the preferred schools but will be at venues that are convenient and easy to get to. Maps will be sent to parents.

There is no financial cost to a parent. We do recommend that a parent attends if at all possible, in case the independent panel have any questions relating to the case.

Results of appeals are sent out by the clerk to the panel within 5 working days of the hearing. Decisions are always communicated in writing, and cannot be given over the telephone. The Admissions Team and the school are informed of the result the same time the parent is.