What to Include in an Appeal

Originally written by Jack Claridge, updated by the editorial team on 28th May 2026

Getting started with your appeal

When a school place application is turned down, you have the right to appeal that decision to an independent appeal panel. The panel will consider your case alongside the reasons given by the admissions authority for refusing a place. Presenting clear evidence can strengthen your appeal and improve your chances of success.

You must submit your appeal within the deadline stated in your rejection letter. This is typically at least 20 school days from the date you received notification that your application was unsuccessful.

Start your preparations early once you decide to appeal. Write down all the reasons why you believe your child should have a place at this particular school. Think about what makes this school especially suitable for your child, whether that relates to their educational needs, family circumstances, or practical considerations like travel and childcare arrangements. Your reasons should connect directly to the school's published admissions criteria where possible, as the panel must consider whether the admissions authority applied these criteria correctly.

Consider who might be able to support your case. This could include teachers, medical professionals, or other relevant people who can provide written statements. Some supporters may also be willing to attend the hearing in person to speak on your behalf. Gather contact details early so you have time to request letters of support before your hearing date.

Free advice is available from Citizens Advice and from advisory services run by your local authority. These can help you understand the process and prepare your submission.

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Understanding the timeline

Once you submit an appeal request, the admissions authority must give you at least 10 school days' notice before your hearing takes place. This gives you time to prepare your case and arrange for any witnesses to attend.

You can choose to waive this notice period if a cancellation slot becomes available and you are ready to proceed sooner. Only do this if you are confident that your case is fully prepared and anyone supporting you can attend.

The admissions authority will send you a copy of their statement at least 7 working days before the hearing. This document sets out their reasons for refusing your application and explains why they believe the school cannot admit more pupils. Read this carefully. Understanding their position helps you prepare responses to their arguments.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

What to include in your written case

Your appeal submission should explain clearly why you want your child to attend this specific school and why you believe the admissions decision was wrong. Keep your points organised and stick to facts rather than general opinions. Where possible, show how your case relates to the school's published admissions criteria.

Evidence that may strengthen your case includes:

Medical letters or reports if your child has health conditions that make this school particularly suitable
Evidence of special educational needs and why this school can meet them
Letters from professionals such as teachers, therapists, or social workers
Information about siblings already at the school
Details of childcare arrangements that depend on this school placement
Evidence of transport difficulties if the allocated school is hard to reach
Any errors you believe were made in processing your application

If you think the admissions authority made a mistake when assessing your application, gather any documents that support this. Errors in measuring distances, misunderstanding catchment areas, or overlooking sibling connections have all formed the basis of successful appeals.

Presenting your case at the hearing

The appeal panel will have copies of everything you submit in writing, so you do not need to repeat it all verbally. Use the hearing to emphasise your strongest points and respond to questions from the panel.

Bring copies of all your documents to the hearing for your own reference. The panel will have their own set, but having papers to hand helps you stay organised.

You may bring someone to support you at the hearing. This could be a friend, family member, or someone with knowledge of your case. They can speak on your behalf if you prefer, though you will usually be given the opportunity to add anything yourself.

Stay calm and factual. Panels are used to hearing from parents who are understandably anxious, and they will give you time to make your points. The process can feel stressful, so give yourself breaks when preparing and consider talking through your case with someone you trust beforehand. Focus on what makes your child's situation particular rather than criticising the school or the admissions process in general.

For detailed guidance on school admission appeals, including your legal rights and the full appeals process, visit the school admissions appeals section on GOV.UK.

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Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our School Application Strategist lets you tell us your circumstances and we will map out a realistic school application strategy that maximises your chance of getting your preferred school. Try it now →

78 questions

Ask Get the Right School a Question

GetTheRightSchool Editor 18/05/2026 at 9:15 am

@Nigel Your strongest ground is that the catchment school is the only realistic option given the lack of public transport and the cost of taxis, so refusal would effectively deny your child a local school place. Get quotes for taxi fares, bus timetables (or proof there aren't any) and a map showing distances to alternative schools. Also stress the Year 5 timing and the disruption already caused by postponing the move. Keep it factual and evidence based rather than emotional, and the panel will take it seriously.

Nigel 04/06/2024 at 9:18 am

Hi.We will move to Cardiff during the Summer vacation to be closer to my elderly parents ( having postponed the move twice due to the school choice being over subscribed ) we applied for year 5 year place in the only school in the catchment area. Previously all othe schools within a 5 mile radius were also over subscribed. i have been informed that the school of choice within the catchment area is still over subscribed.
Public transport is non exsistant and taxi fees are expensive.What should my focus on the appeal process be?

Francis 13/03/2024 at 4:16 pm

My daughter didn t get a place at her first choice of secondaryschool.all her friends from school are going there.since she found out she is crying and i don t know what to say to her. I m afraid she will go under depression. I have to mention that the school is catholic and we are not catholic but she was attending a catholic primary school. Please help me with an advice. Thank you

Peps 03/03/2024 at 12:29 am

Hello. We applied for a school place- secondary school for our son. We put 2 preferred schools, but he was offered a place in 3th completely different school 3-4 miles away from our house. All of his school mates are accepted to their preferred schools and he is very upset. There is no good option for public transport to the school, he has to walk long distance and he also doesn’t feel safe to use public transport. I’m ready to drive him to school, but I have little one who is 3. He has difficulties and couldn’t find a nursery for him more than a year. I found one 2 months ago and he is starting now, but the school that is offered to his brother is in the opposite direction and I’m not able to be at the both places at the same time. Please tell me what to do. It is impossible for me to cope with this situation.

Sam 01/03/2022 at 8:36 pm

I need help appealing for my daughter’s secondary school place, she didn’t get her first choice and I’m struggling to put together an appeal. What kind of supporting documents do I need? How do I prove that we are in the process of moving close to our desired school? How do I prove that our desired school would benefit my daughter? How many pieces of evidence do I need to provide in order to be successful?

Lemon 13/08/2020 at 2:37 pm

Hi. I have recently moved to Corby and we applied for an in year place to 3 schools closest home. He didn't get into any. He is coming from an outstanding school and a school that was 10 min wLk from home. What should my focus on the appeal process be. One of the schools is a faith school which is 15 min drive fromhome. We won't mind him going there. The other one is 5 min walk from home. That is our preferred. They say the year group is full.

May 03/05/2020 at 2:24 pm

Hi my daughter was refused a place at a school that she stepsister also attends, this school is a 4 minute walk from our home, my daughter struggles emotionally and also has dyslexia, and also has a court Order Due to being at risk from her father to which none of this was considered with the request, but a few of her Friends, who have no siblings and are out with the catchment area have been accepted,I have asked For An appeal as this school will be beneficial for my daughter emotionally, any advice on the appeal would be grateful

SiSi 02/05/2020 at 12:33 am

All help or advise needed urgently before my appeal please? My daughter did not get a place at her first choice of primary school (reception). My daughter was given a place in a school that goes under a different council to which my older daughter goes.This creates a big challenge for us as the two girls will be having different holidays and breaks preventing us from going on holiday together as a family. More importantly, the child care will be a nightmare to us as we will be arranging it for two girls at different times during the schools break. Is this a valid reason to build our appeal on? Any advice please!

Sal 16/04/2020 at 6:21 pm

My daughter has been refused a place at her preferd school.its a catholic school and she is baptised,she lives a 10 min walk away and her sister goes there but unfortunately I sent in the form late.do you think I have a chance at an appeal?

ZeeShah 06/03/2020 at 12:23 am

My son was not offered the first 5 choices of secondary and offered the 6th school which is out of the borough But 3.1miles. However my son wants to go to a particular school where is felt connected on the 2 visits we did, school is further away 4.69miles. My son suffers from socialising issues in current school as it is not ethnically diverse. A referral to Cams team has been made. Can i use this as a appeal reason a) ethnically diversity b) this school will support his stoical/education needs

Ash 05/03/2020 at 10:35 am

My daughter was not picked from her first choice of school pick and she has made hef mind up to be in the school as she thought is definitely the school or no other school but to tell her nos that she is not pick is a bit difficult. I want to appeal but how to go about it. And what say as excuse for my appeal.

Shab 03/03/2020 at 8:39 pm

Hi ! My daughter didn t get a place at her first choice of secondary school partially it's my fault made when doing admission form I accidentally wrote wrong scahool..all her friends from school are going there.since she found out she is crying and i don t know what to say to her. I m afraid she will go under depression. I have to mention that the school is catholic and we are not catholic but she was attending a catholic primary school. Please help me with an advice. Thank you

Rod 03/03/2020 at 4:58 pm

Hi !
My daughter didn t get a place at her first choice of secondary school.all her friends from school are going there.since she found out she is crying and i don t know what to say to her. I m afraid she will go under depression.
I have to mention that the school is catholic and we are not catholic but she was attending a catholic primary school.
Please help me with an advice.
Thank you

Ana 02/03/2020 at 9:58 pm

All help or advise needed before my appeal please?My daughter has been refused a place from the secondary school. Admission team give for her place in school 6 miles from home . We apply for school what is 1.3 miles for home and close this secondary my the younger daughter attends to junior school ( exactly same road where secondary) .plus I have 2 years old baby at home . I cant menage another secondary school . Please give me any advice .

Zoe 01/03/2020 at 4:36 pm

My daughter auditioned to get into a performing art school there are 30 places and she was offered a place but she has been turned down for the school? My other 2 children are in the same pathway at the same school but we live 9 miles away so i dont understand why she hasnt been given a place?

Zo 12/01/2020 at 7:26 pm

How to write appeal. Grade 11.fails Geography.

Mark 13/05/2019 at 10:29 pm

Hi there i have a 5 year old son that is in mainstream school at the minute but the local authority have said he needs a special needs school which we disagree with, his getting head teachers awards pupil of the week for his work he is producing at the minute and his 1 to 1 teacher cant belive how well he is progressing and starting to catch up to his peers and we have seen a HUGE improvememt at home also i was just wondering how i go about appealig this decision because we think it would be benefical for him staying and carrying on to progress in the setting he is already in. All if any advice i would be grateful because im lost as where to start with this.

Atirem 23/04/2019 at 5:53 pm

All help or advise needed before my appeal please?My daughter has been refused a place from the nursery that she goes now! She’s been there for 2 years and she has settled down and have so many friends!
If someone has gone through that can help a bit what reasons to put!
Sorry about my English not so good!!

Marie 16/04/2019 at 3:59 pm

All advice and help needed before my appeal pls??
My son AC has been refused a place at our first choice school, also a feeder secondary school for the primary he currently attends. My son AC suffers from social shyness and dose not addapt well to change, this refusal will separate him from all his close friends he has attended school with since nursrey as they have all secured a place at our first choice school, even tho our home is the closest to secondary school.
My son AC is very intelligent, well mannered young man who would be assett to any school but social diffuclties have had a hard impact on his education ability in the past which is not an issue ATM. I am very worried about they effects this will have on my son as his primary school friends and out of school social group have been the only consistancy in his years at his Primary school. AC has learned to trust and able to have a healthy social life at school his friends gave him the confidence and support over the years to settle and do extreamly well at school.
When my son AC found out he hadn’t got in to his choosen school with all his friends he was distraught (this was his worst worrie) I think this move from his friends, no matter the support from me will defiantly have affect on my son ability to learn in a huge way along with him emotionally.
Our home is 0.4 mile from our first choice school which is a 7 min walk and he has been refused admition yet has been offered a place at a secondary school that is 4 mile from our home and is a 30-40 min bus ride each way my son has never traveled by public transport ever on his own and is unable to.
I have a 6 year old daughter still attending primary school makes it impossible for me to drop off and collect both of my children on time each day because there is a 4 mile travel distance between the two schools.
I need help with what rights I have in my favour and what grounds to base my appeal on? Any help and advice would be appreciated
Thanks marie
All advice and help needed before my appeal pls??
My son AC has been refused a place at our first choice school, also a feeder secondary school for the primary he currently attends. My son AC suffers from social shyness and dose not addapt well to change, this refusal will separate him from all his close friends he has attended school with since nursrey as they have all secured a place at our first choice school, even tho our home is the closest to secondary school.
My son AC is very intelligent, well mannered young man who would be assett to any school but social diffuclties have had a hard impact on his education ability in the past which is not an issue ATM. I am very worried about they effects this will have on my son as his primary school friends and out of school social group have been the only consistancy in his years at his Primary school. AC has learned to trust and able to have a healthy social life at school his friends gave him the confidence and support over the years

SolyMar 25/03/2019 at 12:34 pm

Hi, my daughter didn't pass her 11 plus but I'm appealing the decision as I don't feel the scores are a true reflection of her capability. The test paper that let her down is Maths which ironically is her top subject. She failed to answer 8 questions. Her sister attends the grammar school that we appealing for. I need some advice as to how I should start the appeal, reasons for appeal? Just want to make sure I word everything correctly. Any help will be ver much appreciated.

Thanger 19/03/2019 at 12:31 pm

Hi, I need help in appealing my Son's school place at upton court grammar school. As per the score she is in 2nd rank waiting list and distance wise its 69. She got admission in Kent where i need to move now. But I want to appeal for Upton court as she is very intelligent and not willing to move out of london. Anyone please help to appeal.

Dawnk 07/02/2019 at 10:55 pm

Does. Anyone know the full process of appealing against a secondary school

Jenny 09/09/2018 at 9:49 pm

Hi I need urgent help I am appealing my seven years old son, we moved house two years ago. My son is still going to his old school. My daughter got a placement from the school near the house but he has been on a waiting list for over two years now, he’s name came down to number 1 on the waiting list but unfortunately my daughter left and went to secondary school, I was told that my sons name went down to number 18 on the waiting list after all that wait. Right now I am struggling my daughter is going to a high school which is on the other side and my son is going to his old school which is on the other side so basically I am in the middle, both schools all apart from my home and they are both on the opposite directions, both of them start at 8:45 AM no way I can get to both schools at once, they both finish at 3 PM too and I’m having the same problem I have no family that can take my kids for me , I have friends but they have kids of there own so it’s a big struggle for me. My husband iworks for the railway and he’s shifts are all over the place. so I can’t get him to help me eithier. The bus stop is too far for my daughter it’s a 20mins walk to the bus stop and once she gets off it’s another 15 minutes walk due to health conditions I don’t want her to walk for that long as she has had asthma attacks previously. I’ve lost my job as I couldn’t get to work on time. Please help me with this appeal
Thanks

BecsB Editor 18/06/2018 at 11:18 am

@Sewa - unfortunately, there is nothing you can do until but wait :(

Sewa 16/06/2018 at 6:38 pm

Hello,
I did appeal to my son for secondary school. My appeal was heard on the 11/05/2018 until now I'm waiting for appeal success or not. Could you help me please what can I do ?
Thanks

Kaz 12/03/2018 at 1:43 pm

Hiua just want to no if anyone can help me with a letter as my daughter is in year 8 and i moved from from 1 school to another as she was getting bullied and i wasnt happy but i thought be best to move her and i dod and shes just cant settle there shes been havin panic attacks and came very unsettle crying all the time and school was sending her home and i have tryed to get back in her old school as she feels like she will come more settled back there as she nos people as at the school shes in she doesnt no anyone and finding it hard to talk to people and i need to appeal for her to go back just want to no if anyone can help my with a letter to try get her back in her old school

Lenalee 10/03/2018 at 6:38 am

Hi, I have twins aged 11 starting secondary in September and found out last week one of kids got her 2nd place at a school in havering while my son her twin got a school in Redbridge. I am a single mum working full time how am i suppose to do this? Please any suggestions welcome :(

Frank 08/03/2018 at 7:14 pm

Can you help me draft a letter of appeal. My son has been denied education in a faith sch.

Boo 01/03/2018 at 5:18 pm

Need some advice for secondary school appeal.
My daughter attends a catholic school and is a feeder school to a catholic College which we didn’t get a place but all her friends did.
Awful situation
Anyone help?

DG Editor 17/10/2017 at 11:03 am

@G-bear - sorry to hear what you have been through :( Ask your MP to help. If you have proof that your ex did this, then you absolutely have a case.

G-bear 16/10/2017 at 1:40 pm

Can anyone help me, I need help appealing against an in year transfer I need to write a letter to explain that the school they have allocated my daughter is putting us at risk from re stablishing contact with her natural father who has a step child in the same year.
We out ran him 4 times due to domestic violence and now due to my failing health we have had to return to my home town for support and care, my ex husband has a history of raping and battering me, they allocated my child the 3rd school without me knowing his step daughter was in the same year and the other 2 schools are over subscribed.
I immediately contacted them explained the situation was treated like oh god if we moved children because every parent fell out!!!
They don't seem to understand we suffered at the hands of him for 13 years out ran him for 9 he still came after me when I lived over 300 miles away he abducted my son at one point ???
But because it's all about ethos and curriculum no one is listening this man could kill me ? How do you handle this ? Does anyone know ?

NadSE Editor 16/10/2017 at 1:42 pm

@Adriana - I'd say you have - if the schools admissions thought she was in school. There are way too many people falling through the schooling net these days. A person could keep their child off school and no one would ever check. Shocking!

Adriana 15/10/2017 at 6:38 am

Hello, I'm in dire need of help. My daughter was offered a school place at M11, that's 2.1miles from where we live at M40. I informed the School Admission Team and applied for other 6 surrounding schools. After nearly 6 weeks with my daughter home, the Admission Team tell me they thought she was in school. Now all the 6 schools surrounding schools claim they're full and now she's been offered an alternative school where I initially refused. I'm a single mum with 2 kids and I don't drive. I need 2 buses and 13minutes walking to take my daughter to school. My longer shifts starts at 7am and I take 2 buses and 90 minutes to work. I just can't handle it. I desperately need to enrol my 9year old daughter in any closest school. I know a lot of kids in another schools while on waiting lists but my daughter is home and the school term is almost over. Do I have a strong case? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Jane66 21/09/2017 at 12:27 pm

My family have relocated to Brighton from Berkshire, a month ago, but my 13 year old son has still has not been offered a school place! We're renting for a year whilst house hunting, and live in a property 5 minutes walk from 2 Secondary schools both of which teach a syllabus equivalent to his previous school in Berkshire which is extremely important for his GCSE options and the reason that they were applied for. The LA say my only option is a school, which would require two bus journeys and that teaches a completely different curriculum, which doesn't even include several subjects that he's been studying for the past two years and his GCSE subject option. Surely, this is a case for the LA to provide an extra place given the circumstances. Please can anyone advise? My son has already lost vital school days this term, ridiculously unfair! Thankyou

Mc 02/07/2017 at 4:24 pm

Hi there I really need help with this if got my daughter appeal on the 10 July for secondary school as the school she was offered she can't go there due to being bullied for 6 yrs at her primary school and all them children go to that school so I have to appeal I'm not sure what I write in the letter and what I say please can so.one help me with this

mrsj 21/05/2017 at 10:26 am

Hi. I'm looking some advice. My child has been offered his third choice of secondary school. Which is a good school. His first choice though is the school beside the nursery and primary school that he's been attending for the last 8yrs yet they have refused him entry. Yes we don't live in the area but another child that lives in our area received a place ahead of my son. Do you think I have a case for appeal?

Deb 19/05/2017 at 1:37 pm

Hi, I have an appeal today for my sons secondary school place and I've come to the realisation that I have no case really apart from the fact the school he has got in too is rubbish in my eyes! And I want he to get the best possible education he can and believe the school I want him to go to can provide that better then the school in our catchment area other then that I don't really no what else to say I feel like I'm in over my head I don't know what to do! Can anyone give my any advise?

Jill Editor 16/05/2017 at 11:45 am

@Issaya - it sounds to me as though you have a good case. Good luck, you'll need it as the LA always find a good excuse not to give a place where it can.

Issaya 15/05/2017 at 4:38 pm

My son was first on the waiting list for a primary school place in Sep 2016 but the school has given a place in December the same year to another child. The place become available in Oct, 2016 while my son was still first. However, according to the school, they hold that place for two months for a child who had additional learning needs. After two months waiting, the parents of the child with learning needs changed their mind to go to another school. At that period, another student had applied few days before the December offer. They have given the place to this child who applied in December. As we believe that our son should have been given the place rather than holding it for 2 months, we asked the council further explanation. The council's admissions’ office confirmed to us that the school can only hold a place for only 2 weeks and they have not been informed about this case. We believe that the school’s decision didn’t follow the correct admissions procedure. The place should have been given to my son rather than holding it for two months and giving it to another child. On this ground, I am appealing against the decision made by the school. Do you think this is a strong appeal? Please help.

Blue 08/05/2017 at 9:26 pm

Hello, my son has been refused a place at a secondary catholic school because of distance. He was in band 2. Band one is for looked after children. My son has dyslexia and language seal he is on the senco register. The school does not admit children outside 1.74 miles we r 4 miles as the crow flies but in reality it is a 20 mins journey by train and foot. What sort of things can i say. It is important to us that Cameron goes to a catholic school as we r practicing catholics it's a small school able to provide for my son. I would appreciate your reply kind regards

Stacie Corfield 25/04/2017 at 2:30 pm

Hello All, I am in need of your help. My little girl is 4 years old and is in the nursery but has not been given the reception place. After further investigation my little girl was put in a Category 4 instead of a Cat 3 all because of the Board line runs down the middle of the Road (so if we was on the Old number side she would of been classed as a Cat 3 and would of been given a Place. Also she is catholic and goes to church with my self and they have placed her in a none catholic school. Also I am a single parent and have help of my sister 3 days a week both drop off and pick up as she takes my nephew. The school they have sent her too is out of the way and difficult for my self to get her to school and I could afford to put here in morning and afternoon club. I physical and mentally don't know how I am going to manager of cope. Please help and advise if I have good grounds to appeal on.

X1101 20/04/2017 at 10:18 pm

Hi, I am looking for some advice,
My daughter hasn't been accepted into the same primary school as my son.
When I applied for my son to attend this school we were in the catchment area, since then, the LA has changed the catchment area, although we are living in the same house, we are no longer in the catchment.
I also work at rely on a childminder who works from this school and pre school only. If my children were to go to separate schools, I would need to reconsider my job as I would not have childcare or I would need to try to find additional childcare Either way, this would affect us financially and add so much more stress to our already busy lives.
My daughter is very anxious and doesn't cope well with big changes. It took many months for her to even say a word to staff or children when she started pre school. She would soil or wet herself after me collecting her from pre school/ childminder due to not asking to go to the toilet, this happened many times until she finally learned to trust staff/ childminder. She has made a few friends, she has confidence while with her friends but generally struggles socially. This will be a difficult transition for her but I fear that in unfamiliar surrounding, without the confidence she has with her peers, could really set her back. Her pre school are happy to write a reference to this and her key worker at the pre school had offered to appear at an appeal hearing. If it would help.
I would like to know how these reasons may be viewed at an appeal.

Any advice or opinions would be much appreciated.

Bec78 Editor 20/04/2017 at 11:59 am

@Mrs_dinger - this is a good case for an appeal. Especially, if you can show logistically and financially that it is not possible to do two trips!

Mrs_dinger 19/04/2017 at 6:25 pm

My son has been attending primary school since september I applied for my daughters place in the same school but it has been rejected. It is not our catchment school but she also has been refused a place in that and been given a place at a school 45 minute walk away. How do I get 2 kids to 2 different schools by 9am? Before and after school clubs are out of the question I am a stay at home mum with a new baby my husband works away most of the week so I am the only one to get the kids to school and we have no spare money for school clubs.

abbey134 06/03/2017 at 11:43 pm

I really need help and advice about my son's year 7 admission.

We live out of the catchment areas for all of the grammars schools in Kent but my son scored 365 which is a very good score and he was deemed to be a grammar selective. He also did the Bexley one and he was deemed as selective as well.
We applied for 2 grammars from Kent and 1 from Bexley but was not given any of place.
The most annoying thing is that his last choice which is within our borough was not given to him and he is now placed in school that needs to improvement as per ofsted report.

I have approached our borough admission team and I was told that I can not reject the offer made to him rather I have to appeal against it (this I am prepared to do cause I will never allow my son to go that school anyway even if we lose the appeal).

The confusion I am having now is that, I was told by one of the admission staff of our borough that I cannot reject the offer and make a fresh late application even though I have spoken to some grammar schools in Kent accepting applicants with lesser grades and I was told that I can make a new application and include their schools on the form.

I am really confused on what to do now. If I can make a new late application or I only have choice of appealing against the school they give us.

What should I do?

Sue 23/06/2016 at 1:26 pm

My daughter has lost her appeal for my 11 year old grand daughter to go to a school attended by her sibling a 5 min walk from her home, instead she has to go to a catholic school she is non Catholic 7 miles away both her and my daughter are distraught

GetTheRightSchool Editor 15/06/2016 at 10:14 am

Your only option is to appeal the decision. In addition to this article, you can see more information which

Kayley 14/06/2016 at 7:35 am

My son didn't get a place in reception at his first preference even though he's been attending the school nursery for 2 years now and goes 4 full days he has all of his friends there he's extremely upset that he has not been accepted and he really doesn't adapt to change at all he just shuts down all the teachers at the school know him and think the system is so unfair what can i do

j 08/05/2016 at 10:17 pm

Hi i havent a clue on this whole process, but i am wanting to appeal as the school i chose refused my son. Within the appeal can you state you have no extra help or family close by to drop and collect, as the school theyve gave me is far..an that im due to start a course/part time work, so wouldnt be practical..Or are these reasons not valid! If you get my drift.

gabdom 30/04/2016 at 12:30 pm

Hi, we applied for primary school, which is attending our first child( he is in year 4 ) , but we didn't get a place for our daughter at the same school, because we are not in this catchment area . But daughter is attending this school's nursery class. School sent a letter, that we are only 41 on a waiting list, so i understand that we have no point to appeal this decision . Or maybe?

aha 29/04/2016 at 2:16 pm

Hello,
I have recently separated from my partner and am a single mother of two. I moved one of my sons near my work but my eldest son is on a waiting list and still at his current school. drop off and pick up is a nightmare. I can't go part time or employ a child-minder/club as I simply can't afford it. Pleas can you give me advice on what to put as I am appealing the decision.

Thank you.

GetTheRightSchool Editor 22/04/2016 at 10:58 am

I'm afraid we cannot comment on whether your son was given priority. I hope other readers will be able to help with their own experiences. However, if your feel you have been unfairly treated then you should press ahead, as only then will you be given the answers you need.

Lou 21/04/2016 at 12:46 pm

My son currently attends an infants feeder school, he was been refused a place at our first preference Primary (Juniors) despite it being the fed school and our nearest school (0.7 miles away). I am also aware of another child who applied to the same school, attends the same feeder school as my child but lives closer to another school within the same county yet he was offered the place. Both my child and the other child in question require no other special needs. I currently have an older child at the preference school but who would have left by the time my youngest starts. The other child has no siblings. I am struggling to understand why he was given priority over my child's application. I have outlined all the facts to the Local Authority via email (upon their request) yet it's been total radio silence on their part. I've put an appeal through but I'm hoping it won't have to get to that. Any advice or previous experience of a case like this would be much appreciated. Many thanks.

GetTheRightSchool Editor 20/04/2016 at 11:43 am

I'm afraid sibling priority has been dropped in oversubscribed schools in a bid to try and create a fairer system by retaining the catchment area policy and giving priority to those who live nearest. Rather than take the emotional approach i.e your child's lack of confidence, I would advise you concentrate on the practical elements and that the logistical problems you face by him going to another school outweigh the school's problems in offering him a place. However, be aware I imagine there will be a lot of appeals as there always are to oversubscribed places and therefore a lot of competition.

Shirl 19/04/2016 at 7:55 am

My son didn't get into my daughters school, I'm devastated! We do not live in the catchment of the school but it was the only school that was not full when we moved to the area. The school they have put him in has the same start and finish times as my daughters school and is a different council so they have different term dates. It will be impossible for me to get them both to school on time as we have no family network and my husband works away, I also have work commitments. It has took my son the two years we have lived here to come out of his shell an talk to the staff at his nursery, I think it would knock his confidence going to a different school than his big sister. Do you think I have any chance on winning the appeal an what grounds do you think I appeal on? Thanks

Sham 05/03/2016 at 1:18 pm

Hi my daughter has been refused for a place in Crossley Heath grammar school . She has passed the 11pluse test and my son attends Crossley Heath school too. And I live near to Crossley Heath school too. I want to go for an appeal. Can anyone advice me.

Jen Editor 25/08/2015 at 9:53 am

@ribena - I would see if you can do both, especially if others have attained a place with a D grade. Even if you appeal it is going to take time, so you won't be able to send him anyway. therefore you might as well try from every angle. Good luck!

ribena 24/08/2015 at 4:33 am

my son got B in English Lit but a D in English Lang 4 points away from a C so he is not at his sixth form choice. Some children have got into that school with a D should I get the paper remarked or Appeal but if I get remarked it will take up to 30days and he sould be back to school next week

GetTheRightSchool Editor 10/08/2015 at 11:12 am

I'm afraid we couldn't possibly comment on this, for the obvious reasons that it would be impossible to predict an outcome. However, I wish you luck with your appeal.

JonBryn 07/08/2015 at 4:19 pm

Hi. Our small Welsh primary school is being closed in two years and, as a consequence, the teachers applied for jobs elsewhere and have left. Recruitment of replacement teachers has proved difficult and the council met the parents to discuss alternatives for all pupils should our school close immediately, none of which were at all attractive. The council also noted that there were only limited places available at the more attractive neighbouring school. We asked the council to give recruitment one last go and then come back to meet the parents and governors before confirming closure or not of our school. In the following days, some parents applied to transfer to the neighbouring school and their applications were processed quickly (faster than normal). By the time we found out that places were being assigned it was too late - but we applied anyway and our children were refused because the neighbouring school is now full. We are appealing that decision on grounds that the spirit of the Admissions Code has been breached - we thought we had an agreed process with the council. They say they had a duty to process the transfer requests. I cannot blame the parents at all - the situation has caused great stress in the community but I think the council has acted irresponsibly and unfairly by quickly processing the transfers from the first applicants. Have you ever seen a situation like this before and do you think I have any hope of winning an appeal? Thanks Jon

Tash 09/06/2015 at 4:50 pm

My son didn't get the school so I am ready to appeal, my son has a bladder problem which causes him to have accidents which he is very embarrassed about. My son has been with the same children since nursery and they know about his condition and except it and it isn't a issue for my son, all his mates got the local school but as we don't live close he never got in. I have his a letter from the doctor with his diagnosis alongside a fact sheet all about his condition. I'm extremely worried about my son as if going to secondary school isn't stressful enough now he won't be with anyone he knows. I know I won't win but can not try :-(

GetTheRightSchool Editor 27/05/2015 at 2:22 pm

@bonnie - I can't tell you what grounds you have to appeal. However, should you wish, you can appeal via whichI hope this helps.

bonnie 25/05/2015 at 12:15 am

My eldest son did both the AQ & GL test. Got 93 in AQ & 230 inGL. We pick 4 schools his first choice which incorporates secondary and grammer second & third choice grammer and 4 secondary. To our horror and disbelief he was placed at his 4th choice. With no reason why he was placed there. What ground do I have to appeal. Thx

GetTheRightSchool Editor 20/05/2015 at 2:09 pm

@Reg - yes, as specified in the article, at your appeal you will be asked to produce evidence backing up your decision to appeal and also strengthening the case for a reversal. This evidence can take many forms and can vary in relation to the reasons for an appeal. It seems you have the evidence, especially as the predicted grades are below those judging by her report. In addition, as the article states, you should have a good case if you can show the panel that you have thought out your reasons for appeal thoroughly and that it is not just a case of wanting you child at a specific school for no other reason than you feel it is a good school. Wishing you the best of luck.

Reg 17/05/2015 at 9:27 am

I have received an email to tell me that the refusal was based on her predicted grades which they said were "a number of B and C grades". I knew this was not possible so I arranged a meeting with my daughters school who said they sent her last report from after Christmas, which had 5A, 5B and 2 C grades. They also sent a very strong reference along with a letter advising that they do not use 'predicted grades' however, they would expect a pupil who is working hard to acheive 1 grade higher than the grade on the report. Making her actual "predicted grades" 5A*, 5A and 2B grades. The 2 B grades were based on coursework as she was absent for the mocks so they could potentially be higher. Can I appeal on the basis that the admissions authority made a mistake when processing her application? Thank you

GetTheRightSchool Editor 15/05/2015 at 2:23 pm

@Reg - I'm afraid we don't know the finer details of the appeals system and what the protocol is. It might be that the school doesn't think you will be successful if your daughter's grades were not high enough and they know pretty much what the successful criteria is for appeal, which is why it might have sounded like they were trying to put you off.

Reg 14/05/2015 at 8:05 am

Thanks for that, very useful! I have sent a letter to express my wishes to appeal and was contacted yesterday by telephone by the admissions director. She explained why my daughter was not offered a place ie; oversubscription and her predicted grades were not high enough. She also said they dont have a waiting list 'as such' and parents are advised to contact the school in early September to show they are still interested and the applicants profile will be revisted. She then went on to ask if we had any extenuating circumstances and I began to explain and then realised if this goes to appeal Im giving them information which will help their arguement, so before I gave it all away I told her that I did not wish to discuss it any further. I asked that she send me details of how to proceed with the appeal and she said first I have to write a letter to the Head Teacher. I thanked her for taking the time to phone me directly and then asked that she send me something in writing. She seemed taken aback by this but agreed to email me over the next couple of days. I dont know if Im being paranoid or not but I dont feel the school is being totally up front and honest, almost as if they are trying to put me off. Shouldn't they have sent me all of this information in the form of a letter? And is it normal practice to have to write to the Head Teacher before launching an appeal? Any advice would be very much appreciated, Thank you.

GetTheRightSchool Editor 12/05/2015 at 12:11 pm

@Reg - I have included the gov.uk link; appealing a school's decision here. It will tell you all you need to know about the appeals process and what to do next. I hope this helps.

Reg 10/05/2015 at 3:17 am

What is the best way of notifying a school you would like to appeal against their decision not to offer our daughter a place at their 6th Form?
What do I need to request from them?-they have not included any information regarding a right to appeal in the email sent refusing her an offer.
I tried to ring the school and could not get through so I went to the school and spoke to the receptionist and was told they had more people phoning in than there 'were fingers in the whole school' and to email on Monday regarding a waiting list, she then added, without me even asking, that 'you definitely can't appeal'. I have since checked their website and that is not the case. I found that very odd, if I didnt know any better I could have taken her word for it and not have bothered to appeal.
Also should I request that they place her on the waiting list in the same letter as my notification to appeal?
Thanks

Miss T 06/04/2015 at 12:04 pm

Thanks for your advice Emma. I will appeal. Thank you.

Emma Editor 02/04/2015 at 12:30 pm

@Miss T - yes, you should appeal. Especially if you were told that your moving would not affect her being placed in her chosen school. It;s at least worth a try, as appealling costs nothing.

Miss T 31/03/2015 at 5:42 pm

I am asking for some advice please. I was placed in a temporary accommodation outside of the borough we applied for housing. My children are attending primary school in the borough who will house us.Me and my family were evicted from the house we lived and did not make ourself homeless intentionally so we were helped by the council which I am grateful. My older child was preparing to sit the 11+ exams during all this crisis. We were move twice due to place not suitable for my children's wellbeing.We had already chosen schools in the borough/catchment area who housed us. When it was time to fill CAF I was told I have to fill it in borough we are temporary placed, I was worried as the schools I applied for my child would be affected due to distance and my child passed all her exams. The lady from council assure me that I don't need to worry as the LEA work together and they would be notified that we live in temporary accommodation by the council who is housing me. I listen and went to do CAF at temporary accommodation Borough. The result came out and my daughter was not given her first choice or second. She was only given third as she was in Top 60, if she was then she would have been given school in borough we temporaryly live. I found out my daughter could have gotten her first choice as her score was high but didn't get place because of distance. Just need to know if I should appeal or what to do as I am a bit confused. Thank you

GetTheRightSchool Editor 20/03/2015 at 12:35 pm

@Bec - it might and should help in theory. But I'm afraid it is difficult to say, as there will be other circumstances that may be taken into consideration and if they outweigh the address change then it wont make much difference. However, I wish you good luck.

Bec 18/03/2015 at 4:16 pm

We were in the process of moving closer to the schools of choice but unfortunately this happened after applications were submitted. We are now well within the distance for the 2 schools we applied to. The place they have allocated my son is at a school 5 miles (it was 3 miles from our previous) from our new address, 1 hr 40 min walk down a major a road only part with a path. The 2 schools we asked for are within a mile of our new address. Does the address change alone stand good ground for appeal?

GetTheRightSchool Editor 16/03/2015 at 11:21 am

@Jax - You don't give details of why your daughter's place was withdrawn, but if as you say, it is an error on the LEA's part then it will help towards your appeal. I have included a link here to CCLC which is a national charity committed to promoting children's rights in the UK. It may provide some useful information in addition to this article on how best to approach your appeal. It also has a telephone advice line staffed from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. I hope this helps.

Jax 12/03/2015 at 10:35 pm

Any advise, would be great.
My daughter was placed at her second choice of high schools, but i had a call today from my local council saying there had been an error on their part, and they have now withdrawn the place. She now has a place in her catchment school. However, this is not an ideal place for her and her needs. Firstly and most importantly, i can not get her there safely. She suffers from seizures when she becomes distressed or anxious, fairly often. And i cant leave her to do the school journey alone. I have 2 younger children that i need to take to primary school at the same time, and i dont drive. I plan to appeal. She receives therapy to help her cope and become less anxious, these sessions are every week. Can anyone advise on if they think the appeal is likely to be successful? If i have grounds with firstly her health and safety and secondly that the error was made in their part? Any info would be greatly received, im out of my mind with worry. Thank you.

Sammy Editor 05/03/2015 at 11:39 am

@Emz - sorry to hear that she has not got her place. I don't think she would be able to continue studying it through the curriculum as it is specific to Wales as you know. If all else fails, have you thought of getting a Welsh after school tutor?

Emz 04/03/2015 at 10:04 pm

I am wondering if any one can offer advice please. I currently live in Wales and my daughter attends a primary school in Wales and learns welsh as a second language. She is excelling is this subject and also competes in The Urdd eisteddfod. Due to my partners work we are having to move house JUST across the border into England....the catchment school is English and as such does not offer welsh as a second language nor will she be able to access the Urdd through the school. We applied to a high school in Wales (which takes children from the English town we are moving to- there are school buses from The town to the high school) but have been unsuccessful in securing a place for my daughter. She is distraught at the idea of not being able to continue with welsh and enjoy the other cultural aspects of attending a school in Wales....also her best friend has secured a place in our school of choice- which has further added to her upset and anxieties. We will be appealing the LEA decision and I am just wondering if my daughter has any rights to continue accessing Welsh as a second language and/or if the fact that her social connections will be lost at school if she does not get the place at our school of choice will be helpful at appeal. I would be extremely grateful for any advice. Many thanks.

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