School appeals don't always go in the parents' favour.  One of our direct access barristers, Ian Jones, has recently received several requests for advice from parents who have represented themselves and lost their appeal.  Generally, the decision of the independent appeal panel is final and binding on parents and schools alike.  Only in rare circumstances can the result be set aside, either after pursuing a complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman or by an application for judicial review.  Otherwise, seeking legal advice after the hearing will be too late.

Ian Jones, direct access barrister specialising in school appeals and education law.