Can a school refuse a child a place?

Can a school refuse a child a place?

The admission authority for the school or academy may refuse to admit a child who has been excluded twice. In the case of a community or voluntary controlled school, the governing body may appeal against the decision of the Local Authority (as the admission authority) to admit the child.

Are you guaranteed a place at catchment school?

The first thing to know about catchment areas is that there actually isn’t any such thing as an area where, if you live in it, you’re 100% guaranteed a place (sometimes a small school might fill all its spaces solely with siblings of existing pupils).

What happens if my child doesn’t get a secondary school place?

If your child isn’t offered a place at one of their chosen schools, the local council must offer them a place at an alternative school. If you or your child aren’t happy with the school you’ve been given, launching an appeals process is a way to try and change the decision.

What do you do if your child is not accepted into school?

Ask the principal if the school had been officially declared full by the Education Department. Ask to see the letter which says the school is full. If there is no letter then the school must accept the child. If the school refuses permission then contact the district office (see below).

On what grounds can I appeal a school place?

There are three grounds on which appeals can be successful: The school’s admission arrangements do not comply with the law and if they did your child would have been offered a place. A mistake has been made with your child’s application and if it had been handled properly your child would have been offered a place.

What happens if I reject a school place?

If you reject your offer and cannot find an alternative place you will have to go back to Admissions at a later date and there may be even less availability at that stage. Accepting the school place you have been offered will not affect any appeal you make or your position on any waiting list.

How do I find out a school catchment area?

Catchment areas are based on your child’s permanent address. They’re also subject to change, so the best thing to do is look up the schools in your area and contact them directly.

How is catchment area calculated?

Calculating your catchment capacity This capacity can be calculated using the following formula: Annual rainfall (in millimetres) x Roof surface area (in square metres) = Roof catchment capacity.

What questions are asked at a school appeal?

Here are some questions, a few of which might help you make your key points:

• Does your child feel in danger, which going to this school would remove?
• Is your child’s health at risk?
• What support does your child receive from friends and family?
• What has your child said about the Appeal?

How do you successfully appeal a school place?

Here are our top ten tips for a successful school appeal:

1. Prepare for a battle.
2. Know your rights.
3. Live as close to the school as possible.
4. Do the research.
5. Know the system.
6. Make friends with the local authority.
7. Think about legal representation.
8. Don’t forget the paperwork.

Who qualifies for school fees exemption?

If the school fees (of any one child or several children together) are 10% or more of the total income, you will be entitled to a full exemption and will NOT have to pay school fees. This includes other expenses such as security guard fees, matric dance fees etc.

How long does an appeal take for school?

Appeal timetable Appeals submitted after the deadline will be heard within 40 school days of the appeal being lodged. In-year admission appeals (for people applying for school places in the middle of a school year) will be heard within 30 school days of your appeal being lodged.

How to get into a school out of catchment area?

All Academy Trusts and Local Authorities are required by law to provide a Common Application Form (CAF) that enables parents to express their preference for a place at any school. This form allows parents to list at least 3 schools in order of preference, regardless of whether their top three are in the Local Authority/Academy Trust or not.

Can a child go to school outside of a neighbourhood zone?

You have the choice to enrol your child at a school outside of your designated neighbourhood zone. The school may accept this enrolment as long as it has enough space. Once the school is full, it cannot accept enrolments from outside its neighbourhood zone. This is outlined in the placement policy.

Where to complain about discrimination in school admissions?

Any complaint of discrimination in admission arrangements should be made to the Independent Admission Appeal Panel, not the First Tier Tribunal. For more information see our page on Disability discrimination in education . Faith schools are schools designated by the Department of Education as having a religious character.

Can a parent appeal a school admissions decision?

Parents can appeal a decision even if they have accepted a place at another school and can also appeal against a decision to refuse admission to more than one school. • The admissions criteria were either illegally or incorrectly applied. • The decision not to admit your child is unreasonable.

Can a child living outside the catchment area get a school place?

Children living outside the catchment area are unlikely to be offered a place. You may find you’re within catchment for just one school, or several. It’s strongly advised that you apply for at least one of your catchment schools to be in with a realistic chance of a place.

What happens if school is oversubscribed in catchment area?

If a school is oversubscribed – that is, if there are more applications than places available – they’ll take into account factors including catchment areas or distance from the school when they decide who to offer a place. Catchment areas and distance criteria are not the same thing.

What to do if your child is refused a school place?

The appeals process can be burdensome for all involved, so admission authorities do not take lightly the decision to refuse a child a school place. Your admission decision letter should give the reason why your child was refused a place at your choice of school. You can contact the admission authority for more details.

Can a parent appeal a second school admission decision?

However, if an admission authority accepts a second application from you because there has been a significant change in circumstances but again decides not to offer your child a place, you can appeal this second decision.