Would you like to join our Independent School Appeals Panel team?
When parents or carers are refused a school place at their preferred school they are entitled to appeal the decision made by the admission authority.
As a volunteer panel member, you will play a critical role ensuring fairness and transparency in the school admissions and appeals process.
An independent appeal panel of three members alongside a legal clerk will listen to:
- information presented on behalf of the school, explaining the reasons a school place has been refused
- information presented by parents or carers, explaining why they feel this is an unfair decision
The panel consider all the presented information and decide to either uphold or dismiss a place at the chosen school.
School panel members at Volunteer Awards 2024
How much time would I need to give?
You can choose how often you sit on a panel; we do ask you sit a minimum of four times during the academic year to maintain relevant experience. Appeals are held throughout the year, with peaks months between May and September. Panel dates are set in advance, papers are sent out prior to the date to be read before the appeal panel.
Where do appeals take place?
Appeals can take place in person at Leicestershire County Hall or conducted online via Microsoft Teams.
Ok, I am interested - can anyone be a panel member?
You can be a panel member unless you are an employee of Leicestershire County Council or the relevant school.
We expect you to have good interpersonal and communication skills, a sense of fairness and the ability to work with other panel members.
All panel members receive comprehensive training, you don't need previous panel experience.
You are expected to complete a yearly refresher course.
Following training, you will observe an appeal before sitting as panel member.
All panels are supported by a legal clerk during appeals to provide legal and procedural advice.
