Template Admission Appeal Letter
A 6 page downloadable package for Secondary School Appeals at Comprehensive – Non Selective Schools in England, including a template letter and free guidance with example reasons. Price: £99.99.
School appeals advice for admissions
Template letter and guidance for Secondary School admission appeals in England.
A 6 page downloadable package for Secondary School Appeals at Comprehensive – Non Selective Schools in England, including a template letter and free guidance with example reasons. Price: £99.99.
Our template letter is for Normal Round admissions at Secondary Schools, covering decisions announced on the national offer day in March, rather than moving within a school year.
If your child is at a Grammar School, our template letter isn't specifically designed for it, but still provides a useful resource to help build an appeal.
State your reasons in writing; most schools use a standard form, and you can appeal for more than one school.
The deadline must be at least 20 school days after the decision letter, excluding weekends and school holidays.
Use our template letter whether the local authority requires a form or a letter.
You'll be given a date for your appeal panel hearing, notified at least 10 days in advance.
Accept the place offered, stay calm and positive, and gather any evidence or witnesses.
Explain to the panel of 3 to 5 members why you believe the school is best for your child.
The panel's decision is sent by post within seven days and is legally binding.
Some local authorities ask for a form, others for a letter. Either way, our template will help you structure and formulate the basis of your appeal.
A free template may be out of date, lack detailed guidance or examples, and may be only a one page outline rather than a full guide.
You'll be given a date for your appeal panel hearing, and you'll be notified of this date at least 10 days in advance.
You'll be notified of your right to call witnesses and given a deadline to submit further information or evidence. The local authority will also submit its case.
Between 3 and 5 panel members will assess your case, check the admission arrangements complied with the School Admissions Code, and ask you to explain your appeal.
The panel decides whose case is strongest and you'll be told the result by post within seven days; the decision is legally binding. If unsuccessful, your child can still be added to the waiting list.
If admission arrangements weren't properly followed, weren't legal under the School Admissions Code, or the decision was unreasonable, your child could be given a place. Chances depend on the type of appeal and the strength of your arguments.
You can send your appeal letter yourself; it's up to you whether to seek independent legal advice. The hearing is not meant to be confrontational.
Download your template and free guide now to start your appeal before the deadline.