You MUST read this note if your request for a school place has been refused on Infant Class Size Grounds

Statutory limits on class sizes mean that, subject to certain limited exceptions, infant classes of 5, 6 and 7 year olds may not contain more than 30 pupils with a single qualified teacher. Appeals against a decision not to admit further pupils will only be considered on limited grounds.

In view of these limitations, parents have a very limited chance of success in relation to ‘infant class size’ appeals.

Staffordshire Appeal Statistics – Academic Year

Primary Schools (Non Infant Class Size) / 2008/2009 / 2009/2010 / 2010/2011 / 2011/12
Number of appeals heard / 34 / 24 / 34 / 66
% of successful appeals / 41% / 54% / 56% / 40%
Primary Schools (Infant Class Size) / 2008/2009 / 2009/2010 / 2010/2011 / 2011/12
Number of appeals heard / 85 / 99 / 93 / 191
% of successful appeals / 12% / 3% / 4% / 5%

If you believe you have the grounds to appeal, you must complete an appeal form and return it within two weeks of receipt to the appropriate address given on the bottom of the appeal form. Failure to meet this deadline may result in your appeal not being heard within the timescale given below.

All appeals will be considered by an Appeal Panel constituted in accordance with the provisions of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. The Appeal Panel is independent of the Admission Authority and their decision will be binding on both you and the Admission Authority.

For Community and Controlled Schools:
Independent Appeal Panel Administrative Support Team
c/o WedgwoodBuilding
Tipping Street
Stafford
ST16 2LH
email: / For Aided, Foundation, TrustSchools and Academies:
Chair of Governors/Clerk to the Admission Panel
c/o the relevant school