Independent School Admission Appeals Panel Member Location: Tameside
Service Area: Democratic Services
Directorate: Governance
Expiration Date: 05/01/2026
About the Role The Independent School Admission Appeals Panel Member listens to both sides of the case (i.e., the reasons why a school place has been refused, and the parents’ case as to why they need the place) and then makes a fair and balanced decision.
The panel weighs up the evidence (in private) after the hearing, and has the power to either grant or refuse a place at the school in accordance with the criteria laid out in the School Admission Appeals Code.
The panel is supported by an independent clerk who ensures that relevant facts are established and that appeal hearings are conducted fairly and appropriately. The clerk makes a record of the proceedings, decisions, and reasons, before notifying all parties of the panel's decision.
Attributes of an Independent Appeal Panel Member The most important skill an Independent Appeal Panel Member can have is enthusiasm for the role. We are particularly looking for candidates that can demonstrate the following attributes:
A good communicator and active listener
Objective, impartial, and unbiased
Good interpersonal skills
Decisive
Ability to work with others
Happy to learn and keep up-to-date with new regulations
Interested in education
Appreciation of each individual’s differing circumstances and backgrounds
Sound judgement
Willing to work remotely
Duties of an Independent Panel Member Attending local appeal panel meetings (usually remotely) for the benefit of children, families, schools, and academies
Listening to both sides of arguments impartially
Reading appeals paperwork and making notes in advance of appeal hearings
Making a decision with other panel members
Respecting the views and opinions of all parties, including fellow panel members
Ensuring parents feel that they have had a fair and independent hearing
Allowing admission authority representatives and parent(s)/guardian(s) every opportunity to put forward their case
Helping parents feel that their appeal has been handled competently, fairly, and within the law
Willingness to attend regular training to keep up to date with local/national appeal practices and processes
Eligibility to Sit on the Appeal Panel You will be unable to sit on education appeal panels if you are a member of the local authority (for example, a councillor) or have had any connection with the local authority, or are currently employed by the local authority. Teachers and School Governors (not for the school they are a governor at) are exceptions and can be Independent Appeal Panel Members.
We are currently looking to recruit both Lay Members (without personal experience in the management of any school or provision of education in any school, except as a school governor or in another voluntary capacity) and Members with Education Experience (who are acquainted with educational conditions in the local authority area, or who are parents of registered pupils at school).
If you would be interested, please contact Natalie King, Member Services Manager for an initial, informal discussion.
Market Place, Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, OL6 6BH, United Kingdom
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