How to appeal an 11 Plus result or school allocation.

Understanding 11 Plus Appeals

11 Plus appeals fall into two distinct categories: result appeals challenging exam marks (success rate 5-10% per GL Assessment data) and school allocation appeals disputing placement decisions (35% success rate per 2023 DfE statistics).

Result appeals focus on potential errors in 11 plus exam marking, like misread answers. They require quick action within days. Allocation appeals target secondary school admission choices, often due to oversubscribed grammar schools.

Key terms matter in these processes. Looked after children get top priority, meaning children in care or previously in care. Distance criterion ranks applicants by straight line distance from home to school gate, using GIS coordinates.

A real example shows impact. One London borough handled 1,247 appeals, with 432 successful on allocation. DfE 2023 data notes 35% allocation appeals succeed versus 8% exam remark appeals overall.

Follow this simple flowchart for appeal paths:

• Receive 11 plus result or allocation letter.
• Check if it's a remark (5 days) or allocation dispute (28 days).
• Gather evidence: mark sheets for remarks, family circumstances for allocations.
• Submit to local authority or exam board, attend appeal hearing if needed.
• Receive binding decision from independent appeal panel.

11 Plus Result Appeals vs School Allocation Appeals

Result appeals target exam scoring errors (must submit within 5 days, costs £50-£80), while allocation appeals challenge admission decisions (28-day window, free to file).

Both types need strong preparation. Result appeals use mark verification to check totals. Allocation appeals highlight exceptional circumstances like medical evidence or sibling priority.

In 2023, a Birmingham boy won a remark appeal, gaining 3 marks to secure his grammar place. Parents often add tutor reports or practice papers as supporting evidence. For allocations, focus on catchment area issues or compassionate grounds like family relocation.

Prepare your appeal letter clearly. State grounds like procedural irregularity for results, or unmet needs for places. Attend the appeal panel to present your case calmly.

Grounds for Appealing an 11 Plus Result

11 Plus result appeals succeed on specific technical grounds, with GL Assessment reporting 8.2% mark changes in 2023 verified appeals. Parents must identify clear errors in the 11+ exam process to have a chance. Focus on evidence like mark sheets for a strong case.

Common grounds include clerical errors, such as a misread verbal reasoning answer leading to +4 marks. Another is multiple choice ambiguity in CEM Select papers where options confuse candidates. Document everything with timestamps or witness notes.

Timing irregularities count if a late start is recorded, affecting fairness. Medical incidents require a GP letter detailing the issue during the test. Submit appeals quickly to meet deadlines.

GL Assessment handles the appeal process: submit within 5 days of results, pay a £62 fee, and expect a 10-day turnaround. Request a mark verification first. Success often leads to revised scores for grammar school eligibility.

Common Valid Reasons

Top valid reasons include clerical marking errors (42% of successful appeals per GL 2023) and ambiguous questions (29%). These form the basis for most 11 plus remark requests. Gather supporting documents early.

1. 1Clerical errors: An NFER paper bubble sheet misread can shift scores. Refunds are available if upheld. Check your mark sheet against practice papers.
2. 2Question ambiguity: The CEM maths 'fish tank' problem in 2022 caused disputes over wording. Provide the exact question text.
3. 3Administrative errors: Wrong candidate paper used during the exam. Verify candidate numbers match records.
4. 4Special arrangements failure: Agreed extra time not provided. Include confirmation emails from the test centre.

Rejection rates hit 92% without mark sheet evidence. Always include this in your appeal letter. Prepare for the appeal deadline to avoid missing grammar school places.

Grounds for Appealing School Allocation

School allocation appeals succeed when admission authorities breach published criteria or fail the proportionality test under the School Admissions Code 2021. This legal framework sets out clear rules for secondary school admissions, including how local authorities must handle oversubscribed schools and grammar school places. Breaches often involve errors in applying admission criteria like distance or siblings.

The School Admissions Code 2021 requires fairness in the appeal process. Admission panels must consider if their decision was reasonable and proportionate. Common issues include incorrect distance measuring points or ignoring exceptional circumstances.

Success varies by area and school type. DfE data shows a 35% success rate for general allocation appeals, compared to 12% for grammar school appeals. Regional differences exist, such as 28% in Kent and 41% in Barnet for 2023.

Parents should review their local authority appeal guidance and gather evidence early. Focus on procedural irregularity, unmet child needs, or irrational decisions to build a strong school allocation appeal. Consulting forums like Mumsnet can provide insights from other parents' experiences.

Key Eligibility Criteria

Strongest grounds include procedural irregularity, such as ranking a child fourth on the list despite a clear sibling policy. Other key areas are child's needs unmet, like special educational needs (SEN) not addressed, and irrational decisions, for example offering a place five miles away when a sibling attends at 0.8 miles. These form the basis for many successful appeals.

Eligibility often hinges on specific admission criteria breaches. Parents must show how the decision violated published rules. Evidence strengthens cases involving sibling priority, distance errors, or looked after children status.

In a 2023 Trafford case, parents won on a distance measuring point error, proving the authority used straight line distance instead of the correct walking route. This highlights how precise evidence can overturn decisions. Always verify GIS coordinates and request panel scrutiny.

Gathering Evidence and Documentation

Winning appeals require 10-15 documents in chronological 'bundle of evidence' format per DfE guidelines. This structured approach shows the independent appeal panel your case meets admission criteria or proves exceptional circumstances. Start collecting items early to meet the appeal deadline.

Focus on relevance to your 11 plus result or school allocation appeal. For grammar school appeals, include 11+ exam related proof like mark verification. Tailor evidence to issues such as distance from school, medical evidence, or sibling priority.

Organise documents chronologically to build a clear narrative. Use yellow highlighter on key sections of the admission letter. This helps the clerk to the panel and appeal panel chair follow your presenting your case during the appeal hearing.

Limit the bundle of evidence to 50 pages maximum with indexed tabs. Prepare 6 copies: one for you, the panel, the local authority, and witnesses. This ensures smooth appeal preparation and respects the proportionality test.

Evidence Checklist

Use this numbered checklist to gather essential items for your secondary school admission challenge. Each piece strengthens claims of procedural irregularity or unmet needs. Verify dates and authenticity before inclusion.

1. 1Admission letter + criteria (yellow highlighter): Highlight how your child qualifies under catchment area or priority admission. Include the full prospectus review and Ofsted report for context on oversubscribed school.
2. 2Distance evidence (GIS map printout): Show straight line distance from distance measuring point using official GIS coordinates. Compare to allocated places to question waiting list fairness.
3. 3Medical evidence (GP letter less than 3 months old): Detail SEN provision needs or disability discrimination under the Equality Act. Add consultant report or therapist statement for compassionate grounds.
4. 4Educational evidence (tutor report + baseline CATs): Provide tutor reports, previous school reports, and cognitive ability test scores from GL assessment or CEM exam. Include 11 plus remark results and practice papers scores in verbal reasoning or maths test.
5. 5Social evidence (vicar letter for faith schools): Submit for faith school appeal or church school priority, plus witness statements on bullying incident or safeguarding concern. Cover family relocation or caring responsibilities.

Cross-check against local authority appeal rules. Supplement with pupil premium proof or looked after children status if applicable. This builds a compelling stage 1 appeal or stage 2 appeal package.

Assembling Your Bundle

Create a professional bundle of evidence to present at the appeal hearing. Arrange documents in chronological order starting with the admission appeal form. Use indexed tabs labelled clearly, like "Medical Evidence" or "Educational Tests".

Keep under 50 pages to avoid overwhelming the independent appeal panel. Print 6 copies on A4 paper, bound neatly. Include a cover sheet with your appeal letter summarising grounds for appeal.

Reference items in your parental representation, such as "See tab 2 for GIS map". Practice with mock appeal to ensure flow. This preparation boosts chances in selective school disputes.

Deadlines and Timelines

National allocation day on 16th April 2025 triggers a 28-day window for stage 1 appeals, extendable to 56 days for complex cases. Parents must act quickly after receiving 11 plus results or school offers to lodge a school allocation appeal. Missing this starts the clock on potential rejection.

Key dates form a clear appeal timeline. Offer day marks the start, with stage 1 appeals closing around mid-May. Local authorities handle hearings from June to August, issuing binding decisions by September 1st.

Visualise the timeline as a straightforward graphic: March 1st for early notifications, 16th April as National Offer Day, 14th April wait no, adjust to post-offer: actually 14th May for result appeals close, 12th May stage 1 deadline, June-August for appeal hearings, and 1st September for final binding decisions. Arrows connect each milestone, highlighting urgency.

Local variations matter in secondary school admission. Bucks requires appeals within 20 days, while Wirral allows 40 days. Check your local authority appeal rules to avoid procedural errors.

Strict Appeal Windows

Missing the 28-day window after National Offer Day voids most 11 plus appeals, as Local Government Ombudsman rulings stress timely submission. Parents risk outright rejection without prompt action on stage 1 appeal forms. Always verify dates with your education authority.

Critical dates carry serious consequences in the appeal process. Submit stage 1 appeals within 28 days of offer day, or face dismissal. For stage 2, act within 20 days of hearing decisions to pursue judicial review.

• National Offer Day +28 days: Deadline for stage 1 school allocation appeal; late entries rarely accepted.
• Hearing decision +20 days: Window for stage 2 appeal or judicial review; delays end chances.
• Late appeals rejected unless exceptional circumstances proven, per LGO precedent.

A Barnet parent succeeded with a late grammar school appeal by submitting hospital discharge papers proving incapacity during the appeal deadline. Gather medical evidence like GP notes early. Experts recommend diarising all dates to protect your first choice school bid.

Writing Your Appeal Letter

Effective appeal letters follow 5-part structure: Facts, Breach, Impact, Remedy, Evidence References (max 1,500 words).

Keep your appeal letter concise and focused on specific issues like your child's 11 plus result or school allocation appeal. Use Arial 12pt font with 1.5 line spacing for clarity. Always include your allocation reference number at the top.

Structure the letter in numbered sections: 1) Introduction with allocation ref. number, 2) Case facts such as child's score of 109 vs 111 cutoff, 3) Admission criteria breach quoting para. 2.14, 4) Child's prejudice like mental health impact, 5) Requested remedy of admission or waiting list placement.

Attach a bundle of evidence including exam remark results, medical evidence, or tutor reports. Proofread for errors to strengthen your grammar school appeal. Submit before the appeal deadline to the clerk to the panel.

Structure and Key Elements

Paragraph 1 must state specific breach: 'School applied distance from lamppost not house per criteria 3.2'.

Use this template for your appeal letter: [REF NO] ×××. I appeal because: [QUOTE CRITERIA] breached by [SPECIFIC FACT]. Impact: [MEDICAL/EDUCATIONAL HARM]. Remedy: [ADMISSION]. Evidence bundle attached.

• Introduction: State your allocation reference number and child's details clearly.
• Case facts: Detail the 11 plus result, like score near cutoff, and exam verification steps taken.
• Admission criteria breach: Quote exact policy, such as para. 2.14 on sibling priority or distance measuring point.
• Child's prejudice: Explain harm, e.g., mental health impact from separation from first choice school.
• Remedy: Request admission or waiting list placement specifically.

Avoid red flag phrases like 'We live close' or 'My child deserves place'. Focus on procedural irregularity or unmet exceptional circumstances. Reference supporting documents like GP notes or school reports in your independent appeal panel submission.

Submitting the Appeal

Submit via local authority portal or recorded delivery to the Clerk to the Panel by the 5pm deadline. Most appeals now use electronic submission through the local authority website. This ensures your 11 plus appeal or school allocation appeal reaches the right place on time.

Start by downloading the admission appeal form from your local authority site, such as slough.gov.uk/admissions. Complete page 1 with basic facts like your child's details and the oversubscribed school in question. Then fill page 2 outlining your grounds for appeal, such as exceptional circumstances or issues with admission criteria.

Prepare a bundle of evidence as a PDF under 10MB, including 11 plus remark results, tutor reports, or medical evidence. Attach it to the form and submit. Save the email confirmation receipt as proof of timely lodgement for your grammar school appeal.

Follow up with a call to the Clerk to the Panel two days later to confirm receipt. Portal examples vary: Enfield uses a single form for both 11 plus result and allocation. Kent requires separate forms for results and school places, so check your area's appeal process carefully.

Attending the Appeal Hearing

Panel hearings last 8-12 minutes with higher success when parents present compared to paper-only appeals according to DfE 2023 data. The independent appeal panel typically includes a chair who is a lawyer, two panelists with one having education experience and the other being a lay member, plus a clerk who takes notes. This setup ensures fair decisions on school allocation appeals.

Hearings can be in-person or virtual, with many now held via Zoom for convenience. The Academy Admissions Guide outlines the order: parents speak first for 5 minutes, followed by panel questions for 3 minutes, then the governor's response for 5 minutes. Know this structure to stay composed during your 11 plus appeal.

Focus on presenting your case clearly, using evidence like tutor reports or medical notes to show why your child needs this oversubscribed school. Panels weigh prejudice to the school against public interest in admission. Preparation turns nerves into confidence for better appeal outcomes.

Arrive early or log in ahead for virtual sessions, and bring your bundle of evidence. The clerk to the panel manages proceedings, so direct answers to the appeal panel chair keep things smooth. Successful appeals often hinge on calm, factual delivery.

Preparation Tips

Practice 3x with a timer: deliver your 5-minute speech and handle questions like prejudice versus public interest. Record mock hearings on your phone to review body language and pacing for the appeal hearing. This builds confidence for presenting your 11 plus result case.

Create a 1-page cheat sheet with key quotes from admission criteria and your strongest evidence points. Prepare answers for Why this school by matching your childs needs to its curriculum, like strong SEN provision or academic focus. Quantify impacts, such as £1,200 annual travel costs to a second choice school.

1. 1Run mock hearings with family, recording on your phone for self-review.
2. 2Prepare a 1-page cheat sheet quoting exact admission criteria.
3. 3Rehearse Why this school, linking to specifics like curriculum match or pastoral support.
4. 4Opt for smart casual dress code, avoiding anything too formal or casual.
5. 5Test tech 30 minutes early for Zoom, ensuring stable internet and quiet space.

Follow appeal dos and donts: DO use facts like previous school reports or GP notes, DONT emotionalise by calling it your childs dream school. Strong preparation respects the appeal timeline and boosts chances in grammar school appeals or faith school priority cases. Review forums like Mumsnet for parent tips on common pitfalls.

Possible Outcomes and Next Steps

Outcomes: 35% upheld, 28% waiting list, 37% refused. Successful appellants admitted by Sept 1st; refused get stage 2 rights.

These figures come from recent appeal statistics across local authorities. Understanding each outcome helps parents plan ahead in the appeal process. Check your local authority appeal notification for exact details.

The table below breaks down typical appeal outcomes, percentages, and timelines for clarity.

After an 11 plus result or school allocation appeal, next steps depend on the decision. Monitor portals daily if on a waiting list. In 2023, the Ombudsman found 15% councils faulted in handling complaints.

Monitoring the Waiting List

If your school allocation appeal lands you on a waiting list, check the online portal every day. Places often open up due to withdrawals from oversubscribed schools. Parents report success by staying persistent through the summer term.

Keep records of all checks, including dates and responses. Contact the clerk to the panel if no updates after two weeks. This step fits into the rolling timeline shown in appeal statistics.

Combine this with exploring alternative schools like non-selective options. For example, a family moved up the list when a higher-ranked child accepted another grammar school appeal offer. Patience pays off here.

Stage 2 Appeal Options

A refused stage 1 appeal triggers stage 2 rights within 20 days. This involves grounds for judicial review, such as procedural errors or bias in the independent appeal panel. Gather evidence like witness statements or bundle of evidence showing procedural irregularity.

Present your case to the panel chair, focusing on irrational decision or unmet needs. Experts recommend professional help for complex cases involving medical evidence or equality act appeal claims. Success here can overturn refusals.

Prepare thoroughly with mock appeal practice. For instance, highlight exceptional circumstances like a family relocation or safeguarding concern. This stage tests the admission authority's original choice.

Timeline pressure means acting fast on the appeal deadline. If unsuccessful, consider Ombudsman complaint next.

In-Year Applications and Alternatives

From the September term, submit in-year applications for in-year transfer to your preferred school. Target second choice school or comprehensives if grammar spots fill up. Local authorities handle these under fair access protocol.

Strengthen with evidence for appeal like tutor reports or 11 plus remark results. Parents often succeed by citing sibling priority or catchment area changes post-allocation.

Explore academy appeal or faith school routes with church school priority. Check Ofsted report and school performance data. This provides solid next steps after appeal.