School appeals panel members

When children are not offered the school they most want, families can add their child to a waiting list in case a place becomes free, and they can appeal to an independent panel.

We are unable to pay panel members for their time but can reimburse your parking or public transport (not taxi) costs. A voucher to obtain lunch is also provided.

What school appeals panels do

The panel is the decision maker on a child's request to be admitted to a particular school when a school has refused the application.

Panels perform a judicial function and are made up of three independent volunteer members.

Our panels sit in-person in Leeds Civic Hall or remotely. Parents and school representatives can attend in person or by video.

Appeal days usually take place during the week, almost always in term time and appeals are heard between 9am and 5pm, and you would need to be available for the full day.

During summer (between May and July) panels sit every day. We are looking for volunteers who can offer a few days a year and those who can offer many days a year.

The panel hear the appeal and carefully balance the arguments for why the school cannot admit more children, and why the parent feels that is the right place for their child to go. The panel must decide whether the child can be offered a place at the school following the regulations in the School Appeals Code rules.

Panels must be transparent, accessible, and impartial.

What panel members do

Full training is provided, and new panel members would sit alongside more experienced panel members as they learn and grow in confidence in the role. 

Panel members must:

• consider any independent and impartial advice given by the appeal clerk on procedure and admissions law to ensure the process is correct and fair
• apply the legal grounds when making decisions and ensure the clerk has the necessary information to write a letter explaining the panel's decision and reasons
  

Who can be a panel member

You do not have to be a parent or have a background in a school environment.

Appeal panels must be made up of three volunteers who meet the following:

• be independent of the parties and Council (this means current Leeds City Council employees are not eligible)
  
• at least one member must be someone with an education background (this could be as a parent, governor, teacher, teaching assistant or similar. Current or retired.)
  
• at least one member must be someone without an education background (lay person)
  

How to apply

1. Email appealsadministration@leeds.gov.uk to express your interest.
   
2. We will get in touch with you to discuss your application and arrange for you to observe a panel in action so you can see what is involved.