Volunteer - Panel Member - School Admission Appeals

We are looking for new volunteers to make a difference in the lives of children and young people by becoming members of the South Gloucestershire Independent Appeals Panel. Panel members must be able to put nervous parents at ease and make balanced decisions to ensure that parents and schools receive a fair appeal hearing.

If you feel this may be of interest, please consider joining our School Admissions Appeals Panel.

School Admission Appeals Panels

If a child is refused a place at a school, due to the year group being full/oversubscribed, a parent/carer can appeal that decision. The Panel meets to consider information from both the school, and from the parent/carer, and decides whether or not to award a place at that school.

These Panels sit regularly throughout the year, the busiest period being between May and September.

Appeal hearings are held during the day via MS Teams software. All new Panel Members will receive full training before taking part in an appeal. Refresher training is provided every year.

No special qualifications are necessary.

We are looking for members from either of the required categories:

• Lay member – if you have not worked in the management or provision of school education except as a volunteer or governor;
Education member - if you have experience in education, or knowledge of the educational conditions in the local authority area, or are a parent of a registered pupil at school.
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