How to Appeal a School Place Decision in 2026

Published 15 March 2026 · Schools Near Me

Receiving a rejection for your preferred school is stressful, but you have the right to appeal. Every year, thousands of parents successfully appeal school place decisions. Here is what you need to know.

Your Right to Appeal

Under the School Admissions Appeals Code, every parent has the right to appeal to an independent panel if their child is refused a place at a school they applied for. This applies to all state-funded schools in England, including academies and free schools.

Key Deadlines

Secondary offers are sent on 1 March. You typically have 20 school days to submit an appeal.
Primary offers are sent on 16 April. The same 20 school day deadline applies.
Appeals should be heard within 40 school days of the deadline for lodging appeals.

Grounds for Appeal

To succeed, you generally need to show one of the following:

The admissions criteria were not properly applied — for example, distance was calculated incorrectly, or your child's sibling link was missed.
The prejudice to your child from not being admitted outweighs the prejudice to the school from admitting an extra pupil — you need to show why this specific school is right for your child.

Building Your Case

Focus on what makes this school uniquely suitable for your child:

Medical or social reasons why your child needs this school
Specific educational provisions the school offers (e.g., SEN support, subject specialisms)
Transport and safety considerations
Impact on siblings already at the school

Research Schools Before You Appeal

Use Schools Near Me to compare your allocated school with your preferred school. See Ofsted ratings, exam results, and catchment data side by side.

Compare Schools

What Happens at the Hearing

The appeal panel is independent — it is not run by the school or local authority. You will present your case, the school will explain why they cannot admit another pupil, and the panel will make a binding decision.

You can bring a friend, family member, or adviser to support you. Written evidence is often more persuasive than emotional arguments.

If Your Appeal Fails

You can only appeal again for the same school in the same academic year if there has been a significant change in circumstances. However, you should add your child to the school's waiting list, which must be maintained until at least 31 December.