11/01/2022 - Can you volunteer to be on a school admissions appeals panel?

It’s not always possible to offer parents a school place of their choice. The school admission appeals panel ensures a fair hearing for parents or carers who are not satisfied with the admission authority’s decision to refuse their child a place at a specific school.

If you’re aged 18 or older, have good listening skills and are interested in education and want to make a real difference to children, parents and schools, this role could be perfect for you.

A school admission appeals panel is independent from the council and is made up of three people. Whilst school appeals usually take place in-person at The Leagrave Centre, Strangers Way, Luton, they are currently taking place remotely due to the pandemic.  Full training will be given in February to those who want to volunteer on the panel.

The role is unpaid but out of pocket expenses such as travel and childcare costs will be reimbursed and refreshments including lunch, will be provided for panel members throughout the day.

Cllr Aslam Khan, Portfolio Holder with responsibility for children's services, said: “As a school admission appeal panel member you play a vital role in ensuring that parents are given a fair chance to present their reasons why their child should go to a particular school for which they have been refused a place.

“This is a rewarding challenge which allows you to give something back to your community as well as the opportunity to learn new skills. You don’t need any formal qualifications but you will need to able to put nervous parents at ease, be a good listener and remain calm and impartial at all times. We welcome applicants from any background and with a diverse range of knowledge and experience. Get off to great start in 2022, apply now to become a school admission appeals panel member.”

To apply to become a panel volunteer or for more information visit our website, email [email protected] or call our legal team on 01582 547150.