School Appeals Manager

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Job Description

Do you have a passion for ensuring fairness and enjoy working in a busy environment? Do you relish leading on projects and tasks and liaising with a range of stakeholders?

If so, we invite you to apply for the position of School Appeals Manager with East Sussex County Council. In this role, you will provide leadership for our School Appeals Service and ensure that parents are able to:

• have their school admission appeal heard by an Independent Appeal Panel; and
• have their case heard by an Independent Review Panel where they disagree with a school's decision to permanently exclude their child.

School appeals can be challenging for all involved. A key mark of success for the service is that parents and schools feel they have been dealt with in a sensitive, impartial and professional manner - no matter what the outcome of the appeal/exclusion review.

This is a pivotal role within the Governance Services team, where you will manage a small team of officers and clerks, liaise with independent panel members, and work closely with schools, academies, and trust representatives. You will also act as the Council's lead officer for appeals, providing expert advice and guidance to stakeholders and ensuring that all hearings are conducted in accordance with the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 and the School Admission Appeals Code.

About You

You will be a confident communicator with excellent organisational skills and a strong understanding of governance, education law, or public administration. Experience managing casework, working with legal frameworks, or delivering quasi-judicial processes will be highly advantageous.

You'll also bring:

• Proven experience in a management or strategic role.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to remain impartial and composed under pressure.
• A commitment to fairness, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation and statutory guidance.
• Leadership skills and an aptitude for building and maintaining relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Why Join Us?

East Sussex County Council offers a supportive and flexible working environment, with opportunities for professional development and hybrid working. You'll be joining a dedicated team committed to upholding the rights of families and ensuring fair access to education.

To apply for this role, please click the apply now button to upload your CV with a supporting statement. When writing your supporting statement be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education or personal interests.

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.

Interviews will take place in person at County Hall, Lewes. Interviews will be taking place in the week commencing 6 October 2025. If you are unavailable on these dates let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date to interview you.

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Hannah Matthews, Member Services Manager at hannah.matthews@eastsussex.gov.uk to request a phone call.

For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex.

About Us

Additional Information

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.