What happens if I am unable to gain a place at my preferred school?
There are often more applications for some schools than there are places available, therefore a place cannot be guaranteed at the preferred school. To assist you we have included tables in the primary and secondary 2009/10 brochures which show the number of applications received for the last 3 years, the admission number for the schools, along with the number of successful multiple appeals for those schools.
If it has not been possible to offer your child a place at your preferred school, you have the right to appeal against the decision of the relevant authority, that is the Local Authority in the case of Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools and the Governing Body in the case of Voluntary Aided, Foundation and Academy Schools.
Community, VC & Foundation Schools Appeals are heard by an independent panel and parents/carers are given the opportunity to state their case in writing and to attend the hearing in person. Parents/carers can bring along a friend or representative to support them.
Details of the independent appeals procedures and a ‘Notice of Appeal’ form can be obtained from the Admissions Section. If parents/carers wish to appeal, the Notice of Appeal should be completed and returned within 28 days to: Democratic Services Department, Town Hall, Darlington, DL1 5QT.
The decision of the appeal is binding on the Local Authority, the school and the appellants. To make a new appeal during the same academic year for a school that an appeal has already been heard for, is at the discretion of the Local Authority, if for instance there has been a significant or material change in the family circumstances, e.g. a house move. Applications for a new appeal should be made in writing to the Schools Admissions Team.
Voluntary Aided & Academy Schools
Appeals are held by an independent panel. Parents/carers should write to the governing body of the school concerned stating their wish to appeal. Full information on the appeals procedure is available from the schools.
A guide to admissions appeals can be downloaded here: Guide to admissions appeals (pdf document)