School admission appeals
How to appeal a decision
You have the right to appeal against a decision not to offer your child a place at any school you have applied for. The timetable for primary and secondary transfer appeal hearings is below.
Timetable for admission appeal hearings
| Phase | Offers made | Deadline for lodging an appeal | Appeal hearings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary transfer (entry to Year 7 in September 2013) | Friday, 1 March 2013 | Friday, 29 March 2013 | May and June |
| Primary (entry to a reception class in September 2013) | Wednesday, 17 April 2013 | Wednesday, 15 May 2013 | June and July |
Any appeals submitted after the appropriate deadline will be heard within 30 school days of the appeal being lodged.
In-year admission appeals will be heard within 30 school days of the appeal being lodged.
Sixth-form appeals will be heard within 30 school days of the appeal being lodged or, where the offer of a place would have been conditional upon exam results, 30 school days after confirmation of those results.
What you can do to appeal
The process of appealing depends on the type of school:
Community and voluntary controlled schools
If your child is refused a place at a community or voluntary controlled school, you can appeal using the downloads on this page. There are also guidance notes that you should read.
Academies, free and voluntary aided schools
If your child has been refused a place at an academy, or a free or voluntary aided school, you will need to complete an appeal form provided by that school. Contact the school directly for a form.
The governors of the school are responsible for arranging any admission appeals.
Further advice on the appeals process is available from the Advisory Centre for Education (ACE).