Appeals Process

Due to the COVID-19 situation it will clearly not be possible to hold panel hearings in the usual way this year.  The Department for Education has now issued revised guidelines for Admissions Authorities on how appeals should be dealt with, it being preferable that appeals are heard before the beginning of the Autumn term. All appellants will therefore be contacted with information about the exact process, which will be the same for all Ark schools.  The aim is to complete hearings and for parents to be notified of the outcome of their appeal by 30th June 2021. 

Dfe Guidance - Information for Parents

Click here for guidance provided by the Dfe.

Ark Schools appeals timetable September 2021 entry

Appeals for children refused a place at a preferred school for admission to Reception classes in September 2020 will be heard in line with the School Admissions Appeals Code (2012).

'On-time' appeals will be heard within 40 school days of the deadline for ledging appeals.  Appeals lodged after these dates will be heard within 40 school days of the appeal deadline or 30 school days of being lodged, whichever is the later date.

Parents/carers will be notified of their appeal date by an external agency engaged by the Ark network.

Please read this Guidance on infant class size appeals and follow this link to the primary appeal form.

Please contact the academy if you need a paper form.

Infant class size appeals

Appeals for children refused a place at a preferred school for admission to Reception classes in September will be heard in line with the School Admissions Appeals Code (2012)

Mid-year appeals must be heard within 30 school days of receipt of the appeal.  'On-time' appeals will be heard within 40 school days of the deadline for lodging appeals.  Appeals lodged after these dates will be heard within 40 school days of the appeal deadline or 30 school days of being lodged, whichever is the later date.

Parents/carers will be notified of their appeal date by an external agency engaged by the Ark network.

Any additional evidence parents/carers wish to submit in support of their appeal must be sent to the external agency at least five working days before the hearing.  Any evidence not submitted by this deadline may not be considered by the independent appeal panel.

Please read this Guidance on infant class size appeals and follow this link to the primary appeal form.