School admission appeals
The admission authority for a school or academy is responsible for arranging admission appeals lodged by parents in the event they have been refused a place. This needs to be done in compliance with the School Admission Appeals Code 2021.
Key responsibilities of the admission authority in the event of an appeal include:
- Appointing an independent Admission Appeal Panel consisting of at least three members from the categories set out in the Appeals Code, along with a Clerk.
- Ensuring that the Admission Appeal Panel members and their Clerk have undertaken up-to-date training on the law relating to admissions, their duties under equality and human rights law, procedural fairness and natural justice and the roles of the particular panel members.
- Ensuring Appeal Hearings are prepared for and heard within the requirements and timescales of the Appeals Code.
Support for school admission appeals
Our team of specialist lawyers can provide you with legal advice and practical support you need for any admission appeal related queries your school may have.
We can review appeals that are lodged and advise on their merits, as well as reviewing your ‘prejudice’ statement from a legal perspective and advising on procedural matters.
Training
We offer full Admission Appeal Training for Panel Members and Clerks, find out more.
Clerking service
We offer a Clerking service for admission appeals, which allows you to arrange for one of our fully trained specialist lawyers to be the Clerk at your Admission Appeal Hearing. This can either be in-person or by remote access, in line with the Appeals Code.
The Clerking service includes Clerking the hearing, as well as drafting decision letters to be sent to the appellant.
For further information or to obtain a quote please get in touch.
Featured experience
Collaborative approach to the administration of admission appeals
Working with five academies to help them establish a consortium for the administration of their admission appeals to help them move away having to use their local authority’s outsourced service.
Objection to the Office of the Schools Adjudicator (OSA)
Supporting an academy following an objection to its determined admission arrangements lodged with the OSA. Advising on the merits of the objection and preparing the academy’s formal response.
Variation of admission arrangements
Advising an academy on a proposed change to its admission criteria, including drafting the proposed changes and advising on process.
Fair Access Protocol
Successfully challenging a local authority’s approach to placements under its Fair Access Protocol.
Related expertise
Key contacts
Laura Thompson
Senior Associate
Philip Wood
Senior Associate
Joanna Goddard
Legal Director
Hayley O'Sullivan
Senior Associate
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