Apply to be a school admission appeals panel member

• reading the paperwork and written representations that will be sent to you
• sitting on independent school admission appeals panels
• listening to verbal representations at the hearings
• ensuring parents feel they have had a fair and independent hearing, have been given every opportunity to state their case and have been taken seriously
• weighing up the two cases from the parent/carer and the Admission Authority
• reaching a decision on each case with fellow panel members and giving reasons for those decisions

• good communication and listening skills
• integrity and fairness
• ability to work with other panel members
• ability to exercise sound judgment and make a well-reasoned decision
• have an awareness of Equality issues
• be reliable regarding any dates on which you've agreed to serve
• have an understanding of school admission appeals legislation (for which training will be provided)

• full training provided
• opportunity to acquire new skills
• rewarding - making a difference to a family
• opportunity to meet new people

Members can choose to serve on a panel as few or as many times as they wish throughout the year. We maintain a database of trained members and will make contact when organising an appeal to check availability. The appeals are arranged so that they are heard for half a day or a full day 9am to 5pm.

From October 2022, following the 2022 guidance coming into effect, appeal hearings will take place virtually using Zoom. We will provide a hybrid hearing style at the request of any attendee. The hybrid style adopted is to prevent disadvantage or unfair treatment by offering attendees assistance to access the virtual hearing. 

Assistance to access the hearing will be offered to those who:

• do not have the means to do so
• do not have reliable internet access 
• require technical assistance

They will be invited into our offices at locations across West Northamptonshire, where they will be provided with the means and technical assistance to access the appeal hearing.

You cannot be a panel member if you are:

• a West Northamptonshire Councillor
• an employee of the Council

Governors, teachers and teaching assistants may not sit on a panel considering an appeal for the school in which they work. However, they may sit on panels considering appeals for other schools.

All panel members will receive training prior to sitting on a panel. Panels are also supported by trained clerks, who provide advice on the law and process relating to appeals.

Panel members provide a very important voluntary service which is unpaid.

Panel Members are entitled to claim expenses, such as travel, when attending panel hearings and training.

Refreshments are also provided for face-to-face hearings.