Admission appeals

If your child has been refused a place at a Staffordshire school, you can ask for an appeal. This means an independent panel will look again at the decision.

Last updated: 17th December

When you can appeal

You can appeal if:

  • You asked for a place at a school
  • The school said no
  • You are not happy with the school place you have been given 

You cannot appeal for a place in a maintained nursery.

Types of appeals

There are two kinds of appeals:

  1. Ordinary appeals
    For secondary schools, middle schools, and some primary schools.
  2. Infant class size appeals
    For Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. These classes cannot have more than 30 pupils per teacher. 

If you are appealing for an infant place, please read the “infant class size” guidance on the council website. 

How appeals work

  • An Independent Appeals Panel will hear your appeal.
  • Mid‑year appeals are usually heard within 30 school days after they are received.
  • Hearings can take place online using Microsoft Teams. You can join using a mobile phone, tablet, laptop or computer. Full instructions will be sent to you.
  • You will get an invitation no later than 2 days before your hearing.

How do I appeal?

Please note that you will need to complete one form per school appealed.  

All mid-year appeals will be considered by an Independent Appeals Panel within 30 school days from receipt. 

Appeal your school place decision

For further information on how we collect, use and store your personal information, please take a look at our privacy notice.

Need help or have questions?

You can contact the School Admission Appeals Team by emailing: schooladmissionappeals@staffordshire.gov.uk 

If you have not had any school offer at all, please call the Admissions Team on 0300 111 8007. They can tell you which schools still have places in your area.