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.

Further information

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

Coram Children's Legal Centre

Advice line: 0808 8020 008

Website: www.childrenslegalcentre.com

School Admissions Code and School Admissions Appeal Code

A copy of the School Admissions Code and the School Admissions Appeals Code can be downloaded free of charge from the Department for Education (DFE) website at the following link.