COVID-19 Update: Ark Schools Appeals Process

Due to COVID-19 restrictions it may not be possible to hold appeal 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. Appeals will be heard during May/June/July; all appellants will be contacted by the independent appeals clerk to explain the process, which will be the same for all Ark schools.

Department for Education guidance - Information for Parents

Click here for guidance provided by the Department for Education

Ark Schools Appeals Timetable for September 2021 Entry

Appeals for children refused a place at a preferred school for admission to Reception/Year 7/Yr 12 in September 2021 will be heard in line with the School Admissions Appeals Code (2012). 

  Offer date Deadline for lodging an appeal
Secondary 1 March 2021 19 April 2021
Primary 16 April 2021 17 May 2021

Appeals panel hearings will take place within 40 school days of the deadline for submitting appeals.

Parents/carers will be notified of their appeal date by the independent appeal panel clerk.

 

If you wish to appeal for a place in Year 7/Year 12, please click here for the secondary appeal form.

If you wish to appeal for a place in Reception, please first read this guidance about infant class size appeals, click here for the primary appeal form.

Please contact the academy if you need a paper form. You can also contact the Admissions Officer on office@arkcastledown.org with any queries.

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)

Offer date Deadline for lodging an appeal
16 April 2021 18 May 2021

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.