Accessibility Skip to main content

How to submit an appeal

Guidance for submitting an appeal.

We strongly advise that you read through all the information provided before you submit an appeal. This is to make sure you are fully informed of:

  • the appeals process and
  • the circumstances the panel can and cannot consider.

Types of appeals

School place appeal

If you are appealing for a place for your child in:

  • year groups 3 to 11 or
  • reception, year 1 or year 2 with fewer than 30 pupils in a class

your appeal will follow the 2-stage process.

Please read the guidance on the 2-stage appeal process carefully before submitting an appeal.

Infant class size appeal

If you are appealing for a place in

  • reception
  • year 1
  • year 2

where there are already 30 children, your appeal is an infant class size appeal.

Please read the guidance on infant class size appeals carefully before submitting an appeal.

Selective or grammar school place appeal

Grammar schools can admit children based on academic ability. They can leave places unfilled if there are insufficient eligible applicants.

If you are appealing for a selective or grammar school place, please read the guidance on selective or grammar school appeals carefully.

How to submit an appeal

Information to include

Your appeal should explain why you want your child to go to the school you are appealing.

Please provide as much supporting information as possible. This can include:

  • explanation of personal circumstances
  • medical records (for example, doctor's notes)
  • legal documents
  • letters from your child’s current school 

Preparing your evidence

Please submit scanned copies of your evidence wherever possible.

When providing documents, please make sure they are:

  • Fully visible
  • Clear and easy to read

Documents which are blurred, cropped or difficult to read will delay the processing of your appeal.

Please submit your evidence together with the school appeal form. The form provides instructions on how to submit your evidence.

Late evidence may not be considered by the panel.

Submit an appeal

Once you have gathered all your supporting information, please complete the appeals form.

Complete and submit a school appeal form

What happens after

We will send you a letter acknowledging receipt of your appeal. This letter also indicates which month your appeal is likely to be heard.

At least 10 school days before the appeal hearing, we will send you another letter with:

  • the date and time of your appeal
  • how the appeal hearing will be carried out
  • the rules the Panel must follow when determining appeals
  • the names of the Panel Members
  • a date that any additional information should be submitted by if you haven’t done so already.

Around seven working days before the appeal hearing, you, the Panel and the admission authority will receive:

  • a letter from the Clerk reconfirming the date and time of your appeal
  • a statement prepared by the admission authority
  • a copy of your appeal form
  • copies of any additional information you have submitted.