Step 7

The appeals process

You have the right of appeal to an independent appeal panel. If you want to appeal, you should complete a form for the council(s) or school(s)/academies concerned and return it within 14 days of the letter telling you of the decision not to offer a place.

Although each appeal case is treated on its own merits, you should think carefully about your reasons for wanting your child to attend the particular school or academy and whether those reasons would stand out from those of other parents.

Each appeal is heard by an independent panel of three people who have not taken part in deciding how the places that were offered on National Offer Day were allocated. You will be invited to present your case in person and you will be allowed to bring a friend or representative to help you if you wish.

If the Appeals Panel thinks that your case outweighs the arguments put forward on behalf of the school, their decision will be binding upon the school concerned and your child will therefore be admitted.