Overview
If your child has been refused a place at a school this is because there is no place available and the admission authority of the school believe that, to admit another child, would impact on education – this is known as creating prejudice to the provision of efficient education and the efficient use of resources in the school.
Applicants have a right to appeal against the refusal of a school place. For example, if they feel that there are reasons why their child should be offered a place in a particular school that have not previously been considered, or, if they feel the admission authority of the school has not correctly applied their admission arrangements and their child has been disadvantaged in securing a place because of this.
The appeal panel can either turn down the appeal, or they can decide that the school admission authority should make an exceptional place available.
The panel of people (usually three) who make the decision are independent and have no direct involvement with the school. The appeal is supported by a neutral Clerk who makes sure the appeal hearing is conducted correctly and who can provide guidance about national admission appeal legislation. The clerk confirms the outcome of the appeal to parents after the hearing has finished.