What happens next?
For own admission authority schools: you should contact the school directly as they organise their own appeals and follow a different process. We cannot let you know when your appeal is scheduled.
For community and controlled schools: we will acknowledge that your appeal has been lodged within five working days. If we do not, please call 01522 782030.
Once your appeal date is confirmed, you will receive your appeal pack in the post or by email 10 school days before this date unless you have waived the 10 school days’ notice on your appeal form.
The pack will include the following:
- the date, time and venue of your appeal.
- a letter to explain why your child did not get a place.
- the names of the panel members and clerk.
Appeals will be heard throughout school term time and during office hours only.
At the appeal
You do not need to attend your appeal, but we recommend you do or send someone else who can attend. If you attend yourself, you can bring someone with you, such as a friend, relative or social worker.
You should bring all the documents relating to your appeal on the day. Remember that you will need to send any supporting evidence beforehand.
The clerk will take notes and advise about the law during the appeal. A representative will be there to present the school’s case.
Factors that the panel can consider for infant class size appeals are limited if there are already 30 children in the class.
You must let us know if you require an interpreter on the day of the appeal. This service is free of charge.
Appeal decisions
After the appeal is heard, an independent panel will decide. They are not connected to the school or local authority in any way. The clerk will tell you how and when you will receive the decision. A letter confirming the decision will also be posted to you.