When will my appeal be heard?
Your appeal will be heard by an Independent Appeal Panel. This means three people who do not work for Staffordshire County Council and who have no link to the school you are appealing for will make the decision.
A clerk will also be at the meeting to give advice and write down what happens.
Appeals follow the rules in the School Admission Appeals Code (2022). Appeals are normally held online so you can join from home.
You will get at least 10 school days’ notice of the date of your appeal.
Sometimes we can offer an earlier date. If this happens, we will ask whether you want to accept it or keep the full 10 days’ notice.
Your appeal will take place on Microsoft Teams.
You will receive two joining links (one for each stage of the meeting) no later than 2 days before your appeal.
If you cannot join by video, please contact the School Admission Appeal Team to discuss other options.
Who are the panel members?
The panel includes:
- One person with education experience – for example, a teacher, someone who knows local schools, or a parent with school experience.
- One “lay” person – someone who does not work in education. A school governor or volunteer can still be a lay member.
- One extra person from either of the two groups above.
One panel member will be the Chair, who leads the meeting and keeps everything on track.
Will anyone else be at the meeting?
The clerk may have help from an officer who supports the online system.
This person is only an observer.
They will not take part in the discussion and must keep all information confidential.
If you do not tell us otherwise, we will assume you agree to the officer being present.
What information will the panel have?
The panel will have:
- A copy of your appeal form
- A statement from the admission authority explaining why your child was not offered a place
You will receive the school’s statement about 7 days before the hearing so you can prepare any questions.
Can I send more information?
Yes. You can send extra information for the panel to look at.
Please send it no later than 4 days before the hearing.
Email it to: schooladmissionappeals@staffordshire.gov.uk
If you need help writing your comments, you can ask a friend or relative.
The appeals team can also help.
If you need support under the Equality Act 2010, please tell us by email.
Always include your child’s name and the school you are appealing for in your messages.
How will the panel consider my appeal?
The appeal has two stages. You will be invited to both.
Stage 1
This lasts around 45 minutes and includes all parents appealing for that school.
The school will explain why they did not offer your child a place.
Then parents can ask questions about the school’s case.
After this, the panel will decide:
- Whether the school’s admission rules are legal
- Whether the rules were properly followed
- Whether giving another place would harm the school (for example, too many pupils for safe or efficient teaching)
Stage 2
You will have your own time slot to speak to the panel.
You can explain why you believe your child should go to this school.
The panel will balance:
- The school’s reasons for refusing a place
- Your reasons for wanting a place
When will I get the decision?
You will receive the decision within 5 school days after the hearing.
What if I am not happy with the decision?
The panel’s decision is final.
You cannot appeal again for the same school unless:
- There is a major change in your situation, or
- You believe something went wrong in the way your case was handled
If so, you can complain to:
- The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, or
- The Department for Education (for academies)
Details will be in your decision letter.
What if I lose the appeal and don't want the allocated school?
Phone the Admissions Team on 0300 111 8007 to discuss what other places may be available.
Can I see the notes from the panel meeting?
No. The notes belong to the panel and are not available under the Freedom of Information Act.
Where can I find more guidance?
You can read the government’s advice on school admission appeals on the Department for Education website.
Phone: 0370 000 2288