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One in three Suffolk school appeals successful, outpacing national average

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New data shows that Suffolk parents lodged 294 appeals over school placement decisions for the 2023-24 academic year, successfully appealing 1.6 times more often than the rest of the country.

The big picture: The Department for Education reports 56,684 school admissions appeals were lodged across England for 2023-24 places, a 7% increase from the previous year. The number of appeals in Suffolk remained steady, but the percentage of successful appeals was 1.6 times higher than the national average.

By the numbers:

  • 294 appeals were lodged in Suffolk for 2023-24, up slightly from 290 the year before

  • 230 of these appeals were heard by an appeals panel

  • 73 (32%) of the heard appeals in Suffolk were successful, compared to a national average of just 20%

Why it matters: The appeals process allows parents to challenge school placement decisions when they don't receive their first preference. Data shows that parents in Suffolk were 1.6 times more likely to be successful when appealing than parents in the rest of the country.

What they're saying: Pepe Di'Iasio, Association of Secondary and College Leaders general secretary said, "The number of appeals lodged by parents reflects pressure on places in oversubscribed schools which fluctuates because of things like new housing in popular catchment areas."

Between the lines: School leaders highlight several challenges:

  • Local authorities retain responsibility for ensuring sufficient school places but lack the necessary powers and resources

  • Place planning can appear haphazard due to fragmented decision-making

  • Demand is often driven by Ofsted ratings, leaving some schools undersubscribed and some oversubscribed

What's next: The government has committed to scrapping single-word Ofsted judgements and providing more support to schools where needed. However, introducing VAT to private schools could increase competition for the best-performing state schools.

The bottom line: While Suffolk parents see higher appeal success rates, the increase in appeals nationally points to ongoing challenges in school place allocation. How the VAT increase for independent schools will impact this in the future is yet to be seen.

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Man charged after St Helen's Street assault leaves victim in hospital

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An argument in Ipswich town centre escalated into an assault that left one man in hospital on Tuesday. Police are now seeking dashcam footage as they build their case.

Why it matters: The incident occurred in a busy area of Ipswich's town centre, with police now seeking public assistance to gather additional evidence as they build their case.

The details: Keith McKenzie, 48, of Bond Street, has been charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm.

  • The assault took place at approximately 21:45 on Tuesday near the junction of St Helen's Street and Bond Street

  • A man in his 30s sustained arm injuries following an argument with an unknown assailant

  • The victim walked to Tavern Street to seek help before being taken to hospital

  • He has since been discharged

What's next: McKenzie appeared at Ipswich Magistrates Court on Thursday, 6 February and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday, 6 March.

How to help: Detectives want to hear from anyone who was driving in the area between 21:35 and 21:50 on Tuesday with dashcam footage that might have captured the altercation.

The bottom line: Anyone with information should contact South CID at Suffolk Police, quoting reference 37/6562/25, via:

  • Website: suffolk.police.uk/tell-us

  • Phone: 101

  • Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 (anonymously)

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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