General Information About Appeals

All parents want the best education for their children. Being refused a place at a preferred state school is a devastating experience for parents and children. Parents have the right to appeal when a place is refused, but an appeal takes time, research, determination and energy. Arguments need to be rational and objective, and should be focused on what is in the child’s best interests, rather than on emotional grounds. It pays to recruit the services of an expert to help present the case in the most effective light.

Many parents attempt an admission appeal. An Admission Appeal is a judicial process, like a tribunal. Presenting your case at an Appeal without professional assistance is a nerve-racking experience. It is a heavy responsibility knowing that your child’s future depends on how you put your case together and present it to the panel at your appeal.

I have many years of experience dealing with appeals and my success rate is very good. I help parents to present their appeal in the most effective way to maximize their chances of success. I assist parents successfully with appeals in many different areas of the country. I also have a very successful track record in helping parents with Complaints to the Ombudsman

I have experience as an Independent Appeal Panel member hearing Admission, Transfer and Selection Appeals for the 11+ and am fully aware of the reasons for appeal that panels take into account. I have up-to-date knowledge of the Code of Practice and Education Laws that govern Appeals.

Many appeals are lost by parents because they don’t know the grounds upon which they should base their appeal and so fail to present their case effectively. The best presented cases are often more successful than the strongest cases.

Every parent’s case is different and is treated individually. I work closely with parents to discover their strongest grounds for appeal and make sure that their case is presented in the best possible way to the Independent Appeal Panel.

I guide parents through the Appeal process, help them to write their Reasons for Appeal and prepare them fully for the hearing. I give parents detailed information about the hearing so that they know what to expect on the day and understand how they can make the best use of their hearing. I help them to prepare their presentation to the panel and give them the confidence to present their case themselves. I look at the case for the school and discuss the questions parents should ask the representative for the Admission Authority. Questions that may be asked by the members of the panel are discussed and the best way to answer them.

Although the outcome of an appeal can never be predicted, parents who use my services go into their appeal fully prepared for the hearing. They are confident in the knowledge that they are presenting their case in the best possible way. They know that they have maximised their chances of success and done everything possible for their child.

If you do not attend your appeal it will be held in your absence. Appeals held in the absence of a representative for the family almost invariably fail. If you are unable to attend your appeal I can represent you. I can also accompany you to your appeal and assist you in the presentation of your case.

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SECONDARY SCHOOL TRANSFER APPEAL

"Many thanks for all your help. We had a successful outcome at the appeal today and were offered a place for William after Stage 1. Your input was invaluable - especially regarding the process and understanding the way that the panel would think."
Karen Irons

INFANT CLASS SIZE APPEAL

“Penny provided valuable advice and support in our appeal to get our twin daughters into the primary school of our choice.”
Mr and Mrs Brown
Berkshire

SELECTION APPEAL

“Without your invaluable professional help and advice our appeal would not have been structured or presented in the correct manner. We would have no hesitation in recommending you to anybody in a similar situation to ours.”
Mr and Mrs G Spurrier
11+Buckinghamshire

SECONDARY SCHOOL TRANSFER APPEAL

"I cannot begin to thank Penny enough for the help and support she gave me for my daughter’s appeal for Holt School, Wokingham. My daughter cried with happiness when she found out I had been successful. This is a matter with lifelong implications for my child and, whilst the experience was stressful, Penny’s support and advice gave me the strength to challenge the Local Authority for a place in a school where few are successful on appeal. Penny was able to indicate what information was constructive to present and what was irrelevant. I would advise any parent in a similar situation not to consider proceeding with the appeal without seeking support from Penny Bysshe."
Melanie Headington
Berkshire

Penny Bysshe. School Guidance Consultancy
Orchard House, High Road, Cookham, Berkshire SL6 9JT
Tel. +44 (0)1628 810696. Email. consult@school-guidance.co.uk

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