Significantly more admissions appeals fail than succeed. For places in September 2014, only 16% of primary appeals succeeded and in secondary schools the success rate was just under 24%. Both figures are down on last year. With 44,015 appeals lodged over all, we really must question the effectiveness of the current appeal system.
In her annual report, chief schools adjudicator Elizabeth Passmore states that a number of local authorities would welcome a 'paper panel' for reception year places. This is a step in the right direction, but why limit it to reception places only?
Given the costs and resources involved in planning, preparing for and hearing appeals, there is no reason why secondary appeals could not also be considered on the papers in the first instance. The time and cost saving would be significant and allow local authorities and academies to channel the money back into educating pupils.