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A step-by-step guide for parents
Didn't get your preferred school? You have the legal right to appeal. This guide explains how the process works, what makes a strong case, and how to prepare.
~20–25%
Success rate
varies by area
Free
Cost
no fees to appeal
20 days
Deadline
school days
Binding
Decision
school must admit
Under the School Admissions Appeals Code 2022 (England), every parent has the right to appeal to an independent panel when their child is refused a school place. The panel is independent of the school and the local authority.
Primary places are offered on 16 April, secondary on 1 March. If you did not receive your preferred school, the letter will explain why and your right to appeal.
Submit your appeal form to the school or local authority. You must do this within 20 school days of receiving the decision. Some schools accept appeals online.
You will be given at least 10 school days’ notice of the hearing date. The school must also send you their case (why they refused) at least 7 working days before.
Present your case to an independent appeal panel. You can bring a friend, adviser, or interpreter. The panel will ask questions. Hearings typically last 20–45 minutes.
The panel’s decision is sent in writing, usually within 5 school days. The decision is binding — if upheld, the school must admit your child.
The school or authority made an error applying their own admissions policy — for example, measuring distance incorrectly, miscategorising your faith, or overlooking sibling priority.
Your child has documented medical, social, or emotional needs that make this specific school uniquely suitable. You will need professional evidence (GP letter, CAMHS report, social worker statement).
Having a sibling already attending can strengthen your case, especially if the journey to an alternative school would be impractical for your family.
If your child has an EHCP naming the school, the school must admit them. Even without an EHCP, if the school has specific SEND provision that alternatives lack, this can support your case.
If the allocated school is unreasonably far away and the preferred school is much closer, this can be relevant — especially for young children or those with mobility issues.
These reasons alone are unlikely to persuade a panel. They can be mentioned as context but should not be the main basis of your appeal.
Submit your appeal form within 20 school days of the decision
Late appeals may still be heard but are at the panel’s discretion.
Request the school’s published admissions criteria
Check whether the criteria were applied correctly to your application.
Gather supporting evidence
Medical letters, social worker reports, maps showing distance, professional assessments.
Write a clear statement explaining your case
Focus on why your child specifically needs this school, not just why you prefer it.
Visit the school if you haven’t already
Being able to reference specific provisions (e.g., SEND unit, language support) strengthens your case.
Prepare for questions from the panel
The panel may ask why alternatives are unsuitable. Have honest, specific answers ready.
Arrange support if needed
You can bring a friend, relative, or adviser from organisations like Coram or ACE.
Appeal hearings are designed to be accessible. They are not court proceedings \u2014 the atmosphere is formal but supportive. Here is the typical format:
Tip: The panel weighs your case against the prejudice to the school. Your job is to show that the disadvantage to your child of not attending outweighs the disadvantage to the school of admitting one more pupil.