Has anyone successfully appealed against a decision not to offer a school place to a child?

Interested to know what factors you included in the appeal letter

Not sure if the system is still the same, but the appeal should be heard at a meeting. Be prepared to fight your corner hard and take no prisoners as the council official at our one was a harridan in the meeting and then tried to say it was only business after.
Child welfare is the best approach and showing that the child will be disadvantaged due to the curriculum not being ok at the allotted school. Persistence pays off so be prepared to appeal again as and when you are allowed.
The admissions office may also be able to tell you where the spaces are later in the process.

Thanks