A plea has been launched by Cambridgeshire County Council for volunteers with a good knowledge of education to hear appeals against school admissions decisions.

Every year, a number of pupils fail to secure a place at the school of their choice because that school is oversubscribed.

The parents of these pupils can appeal against such decisions, with the appeals heard by independent appeals panels.

The panels are independent of the county council and the school governing bodies.

The work is voluntary, but travelling expenses will be paid and training will be provided. The time commitment is generally a minimum of five working days each year.

Panel members must not be elected members or employees of Cambridgeshire County Council or the school in question.

Also they cannot have, or have had, any connections which could reasonably be taken to raise doubts about their impartiality.

They can, however, be a governor or a teacher at an unconnected school.

Anyone interested in learning more or applying should contact Senior Democratic Services officer Rob Sanderson on 01223 699181, e-mail rob.sanderson@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or write to Rob Sanderson, RES 1102, Shire Hall, Cambridge CB3 0AP.

The closing date for applications is 31 December 2014. Successful applicants will be notified by mid-February 2015 and be asked to attend training the following month.