Appeal against not getting a primary school place

Find out how to appeal if your child isn’t offered a primary school you applied for.

School Admissions office closed

The School Admissions office will be closed Monday 17 August to Friday 21 August 2026.

You can still make and submit applications - the team will process them on their return.

Appeals we handle

We deal with appeals for community schools in the borough. You should contact the school directly if you have been refused a place by:

an academy
a faith school
a school outside the borough

What happens if your child doesn't qualify for a place

if your child does not qualify for a place at one of the schools you applied for, we will offer you a different school - this may be a faith school, a non-faith school or a school outside your neighbourhood
there's no limit on how far away the school can be, but we aim to offer a place within two miles of your family home

When you get an offer

we encourage you to accept the school you have been offered - if you decline it, we cannot guarantee to offer you one of your preferred schools by the start of the school year
before you accept or decline an offer, you can visit the school first and speak to the headteacher about opportunities available to your child
headteachers will be happy to show you their school and assure you that your child can excel there
if you accept the offer, you will still stay on the waiting list for your preferred schools and it will not affect any admissions appeals

School appeals guidance notes 2026-27

Pdf, 353.5KB

Get independent advice

For independent advice, contact Coram Children's Legal Centre.

Timetable of appeals

16 April 2027 - you get an offer for starting school for September 2027
19 May 2027 - deadline for making an appeal for community schools in the borough
June-July 2027 - appeal hearings for community schools in the borough - this is for appeals submitted by 19 May 2027; you will receive written notification at least 10 school days before the appeal hearing

Primary schools’ appeals lodged after 19 May 2027 will be heard within 40 school days of the appeal deadline or 30 school days of the appeal being received, whichever is the later date. You cannot appeal for a place at any school not named on your original school admission application form.

How to appeal

Appeal online

Click 'Appeal now' and log into our website. If you don't have an account, you need to register first. The form takes about 20 minutes to complete depending on the nature of your appeal.

Appeal now