Two stage school admission appeals

There are 2 distinct stages involved in a two stage appeal:

First: a factual stage – The admissions authority must prove that ‘prejudice’ would arise were an extra child to be admitted to the school
Second: a balancing stage – parents present their information to the panel. The panel must then exercise its discretion, balancing between the degree of ‘prejudice’ and the weight of parental reasons

Parents do not have the right to a second appeal in respect of the same school for the same academic year unless, in exceptional circumstances, the admission authority (which may either be CYC or a local Academy Trust) has allowed them to make a second application because of a significant and material change in the circumstances of the parent, child or school but still refused admission.

Parents may apply for a place in the same school for a later academic year and would have a further right of appeal if that application is unsuccessful.