When a school has received more applications than places, it's oversubscribed. This means that further applications for places at the school will be refused, so some parents or carers cannot be offered their choice of school for their child.
Parents or carers can appeal this decision. An appeal is heard by a panel that's independent of the school and the admissions authority.
Role of the panel
The independent appeal panel ensures a fair and independent hearing for those parents or carers who are not satisfied with our decision to refuse their child a place at a particular school.
The independent appeal panel is set up under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 and the Education Act 2002 to hear school admission appeals.
Being a panel member can be rewarding if you want to contribute to your community.
You'll be working as part of our established pool of trained panel members who listen to school appeals. Admission appeals are heard throughout the year. Appeal days are flexible with most held online via Microsoft Teams.
Experience or qualifications
You do not need any specific experience or formal qualifications.
You should be a good listener and communicator, and have clear decision-making skills.
Full training will be provided.
Panel members
Members of the panel come from a range of backgrounds. If you're eligible, and interested in the provision of education, please get in touch.
Appeals are held online, so access to a computer and email is essential.
Admissions appeals panels have 3 members. There must be at least one panel member from each of the following categories:
- people who have professional experience of education
- lay members - people who have not been professionally involved in the running of a school, or teaching in one
The appeal panel should be impartial. You can't be on a panel if you're:
- an employee of the local authority, school, or academy trust
- a member or former member of the governing body
- a teacher or teaching assistant at the school
- a person involved in admission decisions at the school
- a member of the local authority
- a close friend of the person making the appeal
Time needed
You don't need to commit a minimum amount of time.
Dates are set in advance. You can choose how often you sit on the panel. Sometimes you may need to attend appeal hearings for a few days in a row.
Find out more
We'd like to hear from all members of the community.
For more information, or to request an application pack, please contact Alisha Parker, email alisha.parker@derbyshire.gov.uk or tel: 01629 538324.