Parents and carers have the legal right to appeal against the admission authority's decision to refuse their child a place at their preferred school and these appeals are heard by an independent panel of three individuals.

All community schools, both English and Welsh-medium, within Cardiff are served by the Independent School Appeals Panel, which adjudicates on admission appeals, as well as appeals for permanent exclusions from schools.

The Council is keen to add new members from diverse backgrounds with different skills and experiences to the panel, which consists of lay members and those with a background in education.

Lay members should have no previous teaching experience nor have been involved in the management of a school.  However, experience as a school governor or helping a school in a voluntary capacity would not exclude anyone from being involved. Education members would have experience in schools, be acquainted with the educational conditions in the Cardiff area, or who is the parent of a pupil registered at another school.

A council spokesperson said: “Panel members provide a very important voluntary service, listening to evidence to assist and conclude appeal decisions on the admission of children and young people, including why a parent feels that a school is the right place for their child to go.   The work of a panel member is interesting, challenging but also a real impactful way of contributing something back to the community.

“We’re keen to add new people of different ages, from various backgrounds and a range of skills and experiences to our existing panel membership to ensure these independent panels reflect the diversity of the communities we serve around the city.”

Existing panel member Sian, said: “I became a panel member as this opportunity meant that I could be involved in something that is important to my community. I felt I could contribute  positively to my community albeit in a background way.”

Admissions panel members read case papers in advance of a hearing considering the relevant policies about school admissions and if they have been lawfully applied, actively participate in the appeal hearing and decide whether to uphold or dismiss the appeal. The clerk to the Independent Panel provides support to members prior to and throughout the hearing.

Exclusion panel membershear appeals by parents or carers whose children have been permanently excluded from a school.  The panel consider the decision of a governing body to uphold a permanent exclusion and decide whether to agree their decision or not.

No formal qualifications are needed and full training is provided. Applicants should have an interest in education, with good listening skills and the ability to make impartial decisions.

Appeals take place in person and remotely, Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm, throughout the year although the majority of appeals are heard between April and July.

Members do not receive payment for their time but travel expenses are reimbursed and refreshments provided.

To find out more about becoming a panel member, visit www.cardiff.gov.uk/schoolappealspanel

 and for an application form, please email  AdmissionAndExclusionPanel@cardiff.gov.uk​