School admissions

School admission appeals

If it has not been possible to offer your child a place at your preferred school, you have the right, by law, to appeal to an independent appeal panel. We understand how important making decisions about your child’s education and schooling are to you. We know that deciding to appeal and going through the appeals process can be a worrying and anxious time.

When considering whether to appeal, it is important that you are aware that although the law allows you to have the opportunity to appeal against admission decisions, it does not give your child the right to a place at a particular school. There is no guarantee that your appeal will be successful. If you are appealing for a place at a particular school, you should make arrangements for a place at an alternative school in case your appeal is unsuccessful. Accepting a place at another school does not affect your right to appeal concerning a place at the school you would prefer.

Further information about appealing for a community school place is contained within the leaflet Parents Guide to Admission Appeals which is available from the School Admissions Team or download here. You should contact the school direct about appeals to voluntary aided (Church) schools or academies.

For independent advice, you may find the following organisation helpful:

Westminster Schools Choice Advice Service
1st Floor, 215 Lisson Grove, London, NW8 8LF
Freephone tel no: 0800 0665359
Email: choiceadvice@westminster.gov.uk
Website: www.westminster.gov.uk/choiceadviceservice

Advisory Centre for Education
Unit 1C Aberdeen Studios
22 Highbury Grove
London N5 2DQ
Advice line: 0808 800 5793 2-5pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.ace-ed.org.uk

A copy of the School Admission Appeals Code can be downloaded free of charge from the Department of Children Schools & Families (DCSF) website at the following link.  Paper copies can be purchased for £8.00 from The Stationary Office (TSO) by telephoning 0845 7 023474 or ordering online at www.tsoshop.co.uk