Parental right of appeal to the Exceptional Circumstances Body
Date published:
The Department has established an independent Exceptional Circumstances Body (ECB) to consider applications from parents where it is claimed that a child must attend a specified post-primary school, and no other post-primary school, for exceptional reasons. Further information and an application form can be found on the nidirect website:Appealing a school place decision - nidirect websiteExceptional Circumstances Body - Privacy notice 2018
To be read along with the Exceptional Circumstances Body application form
Venue for ECB hearings
Under normal circumstances Exceptional Circumstances Body (ECB) hearings take place in venues throughout Northern Ireland, however currently the most practical arrangement is, where possible, to conduct all hearings at Rathgael House in Bangor. This will help to ensure appropriate social distancing.
It is important to note that attendance at a hearing is not compulsory and you can request that the ECB panel reach its determination in your absence. In the alternative, for applicants who may be unable to travel to Bangor, for example for medical reasons, we will facilitate participation in the hearing usingvideo/teleconferencing. Our objective is to ensure that your application is considered promptly, but in the safest way in order to comply with current restrictions.
Timescales for ECB applications
Under normal circumstances, following receipt of completed applications, the ECB Secretariat aim to arrange a hearing within 28 days, and issue the panel’s decision within three weeks, or as soon as possible thereafter. However due to the current Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, it may not be possible to meet these deadlines.
Incomplete applications will be returned so to speed up the process:
Ensure that your application is fully completed, signed and, if required, the Declaration of Consent signed by the child, if 13 years or over;
Attach all relevant documentary evidence with your application form. Normally this should be originals, however due to the Pandemic these may be difficult to obtain. If so, copies will be accepted;
A copy of the Transfer form must be attached to your application (year 8 only). As applications were completed online this year a screenshot will be acceptable. If you are unable to access the online system to take screenshots of your child’s original application you can email the Post-Primary Admissions office; postprimaryadmissions@eani.org.uk;Provide an email address, ifavailable, as this may speed up the process.