Chambers Blog

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.

The number of school appeals seems to be on the rise this year.  Ian Jones, one of our direct access barristers, is receiving record numbers of enquiries from parents whose children have been refused entry to their chosen school.  Some parents want help with their written statement of case, while others choose full representation at the appeal hearing.  Anyone wanting further advice should visit Ian Jones' school appeals website.  Parents need to be quick, however: Ian is already taking bookings into September.

 

Ian Jones, Direct Access Barrister specialising in School Appeals and Education Law.

School appeals seem more popular than ever this year.  Only a week after launching his own school appeals website, barrister Ian Jones is receiving dozens of calls from anxious parents who have been refused a place for their child at their preferred school.  Ian says "I've been asked about everything from nursery admissions to judicial review, as well as lots of calls about primary and secondary school admission appeals."  Ian Jones is one of a growing number of barristers at New Walk Chambers who carry out work directly for members of the public under the direct access scheme.  The direct access barristers at New Walk Chambers are: Robert Rees, Ruth Manning, Ian Jones, Simon Reed and Karl Prosser.

 

Written by Ian Jones, Barrister at New Walk Chambers specialising in school appeals and education law.

School appeals are a specialist area of work for one of our barristers Mr Ian Jones. Most secondary school places have now been allocated and primary school places are being announced at the moment. Many parents are already contacting Ian Jones for advice. Some need help writing the appeal statement, while other parents want to be represented at the appeal hearing. Ian Jones has launched his own website www.school-appeal.org.uk. This gives details of the service provided for:

• School admission appeals
• Exclusion appeals
• Special educational needs (SEN)
• Pupil discipline
• Staff employment matters
• School governors
• Disability discrimination
• Scholarships, awards & grants

Written by Ian Jones, Barrister at New Walk Chambers, specialising in Civil Law.