Appeals Timetable

1. National Secondary Offer Day

1 March (or next working day)

• Parents/carers receive their secondary school allocation.
• Appeal information and forms are made available by the LA or admission authority.

2. Deadline for Submitting Appeals

Within 20 school days of offer day
(typically late March)

• Parents submit a written appeal stating their grounds.
• Supporting evidence may be included or submitted later (with deadlines).

3. Appeals Lodged and Acknowledged

Within 5 school days of receipt

• Appellant receives written confirmation that the appeal has been received.
• Information about the appeals process and likely hearing timescale is issued.

4. Appeal Hearing Dates Set

April – May

• Hearings are arranged by an independent appeals clerk.
• Appeals may be heard individually or in grouped sessions (for oversubscription cases).

5. Notification of Appeal Hearing

At least 10 school days before the hearing

Parents/carers receive:

• Date, time, and format (in‑person / remote)
• Admission authority’s case papers
• Details of how to submit additional evidence
• Right to attend, make representations, and bring a friend or representative

6. Deadline for Additional Evidence

Usually 5 school days before the hearing

• Any further documents must be submitted by this deadline.
• Late evidence may not be accepted unless there are exceptional reasons.

7. Appeal Hearings Take Place

May – June

• Heard by an independent appeal panel.
• Process usually includes:
  1. School/admission authority presenting its case
  2. Parent/carer presenting their case
  3. Panel questions both parties

8. Decision Letters Issued

Within 5 school days of the final hearing
(and no later than mid‑July for on‑time appeals)

• Decision is binding on the admission authority.
• Letters explain the reasons for the decision.
• No right of further appeal for the same school/year group.