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A recent appreciation, following a successful ombudsman case and subsequent offer of a school place: "What can I say; thank you seems wholly inadequate? Everybody says education is one of the most important factors in a child's life but let me tell you an educational adviser such as yourself has been the most important factor in ours as parents. Your advice and wisdom proved invaluable to us and when we despaired of ever achieving a positive outcome there you were gently guiding us with logic, a level head and endless amounts of patience. Your knowledge of the educational system was paramount in securing a place for our daughter and it was this knowledge that turned a maybe into a successful definitely. We are forever indebted to you and whilst we hope we wont need you again would not hesitate in contacting you should the necessity arise. Once again thank you" . Letter in East Kent Gazette: “We were thrown a lifeline when someone gave us the details of Peter Read, an Independent Education adviser from Gravesend. I would like you readers to know just what a saviour he was to us”. (Successful ombudsman complaint).

Local Government Ombudsman

(often known as the Education Ombudsman)

School appeals depend on a generally excellent group of unpaid but trained volunteers, with only one member on a panel of three required to have an educational background. Without them, the appeal system could not function and most appeals are conducted courteously and fairly. However, some go badly wrong and the local government ombudsman exists to consider complaints about process. Further details at ombudsman.

For entry in September 2009, the school rstrongly resisted any additional admissions and just three appeals were successful. This time, although the Ombudsman recognised faults in the process he did not uphold any complaints.