Our client, Mrs. Ronnie, a police domestic department officer, sought help securing a secondary school place for her son Mathew. The matter involved an education admissions dispute under Education Law in London and a potential conflict of interest given Mrs. Ronnie’s frequent school visits. Aldwych Legal was retained to provide expert Education Law guidance.
What Happened
Mathew’s applications were submitted to several local academies across London. Due to oversubscription, his place was placed on waiting lists, and his position was determined partly by distance from the school.
We formally requested the academies’ selection criteria for those on the waiting lists. The academy explained that Mathew’s lower priority stemmed from his family’s residential address, and by the time his name was reached, all places had been allocated, leaving him on the waiting list.
Legal Issues
- Duty to secure an appropriate place for a child under the education admissions framework.
- Conflict of interest considerations arising from the client’s police role and repeated school visits.
- Impact of distance/ residential address on school selection and waiting-list ranking.
- Remedies available under the school admissions process and potential legal challenges.
Our Approach
We adopted a concise, pragmatic approach under the Pre-Action Protocols for Education. We prepared and sent pre-action letters, requested the academy’s criteria, and coordinated with the local authority where relevant.
We conducted persistent follow-up over several months, engaging in correspondence with the schools, exploring alternative options, and ensuring Mathew remained engaged in education while a resolution was pursued.
Outcome
After an extended period, Aldwych Legal secured a place for Mathew at a high-performing academy. This outcome restored Mathew’s access to education and removed the uncertainty created by the waiting-list process.
This achievement also validated the client’s concerns about the process and demonstrated the firm’s determination to secure the best possible outcome under Education Law and Dispute Resolution principles.
Result / Why It Matters
This case demonstrates Aldwych Legal’s expertise in Education Law and Dispute Resolution, delivering practical, client-focused solutions for families facing complex admissions challenges.
