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Admission appeals

Parents and carers can appeal admission decisions. Be clear on how to handle appeals, get details on how the full appeals process works, and download our template appeal outcome letter.

Last reviewed on 3 March 2025See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 13037
Contents
  1. All parents and carers have the right to appeal
  2. Timetable for appeals
  3. Membership of appeal panels
  4. The hearing
  5. Reaching a decision
  6. Template appeal outcome letter
  7. See examples of appeals processes

All parents and carers have the right to appeal

The admission authority must inform parents/carers of the decision to refuse their child a place at a school they've applied for.

It must tell parents/carers:

  • Why admission was refused
  • About their right to appeal
  • The deadline for lodging an appeal
  • Contact details for making an appeal
  • How to make an appeal, including setting out their grounds for appeal in writing

Admission authorities must not limit the grounds on which appeals can be made.

This is set out in paragraph 2.5 of the school admission appeals code and paragraph 2.32 of the school admissions code.

The admission appeals code applies directly to maintained schools in England, and academies are also required to comply with the code through their funding agreements.

Timetable for appeals

Includes a deadline for lodging appeals The deadline must allow appellants at least 20 school days from