Appeals

If you have not been offered a place at your preferred school(s) you have the right of appeal. Accepting the place you have been offered does not affect your right of appeal.

The Department for Education publish useful information about appealing for a school place.

We arrange some appeals and others are arranged by the school.

Appeals are heard virtually on Microsoft Teams by an independent panel. The appeal clerk will send you the details of your hearing.

Appeal for a place in year 7 starting in September 2025

• Closing date for submitting your appeal form: 31 March 2025
• Appeals will be heard by: 17 June 2025 if possible
• Appeals received after the closing date will be heard by 40 school days of the deadline date OR by 30 school days of the appeal being received (whichever date is later). Please note appeals received after the deadline may not be heard this academic year.

Appeal for a place to start in reception or year 3 in a junior school in September 2025

• Closing date for submitting your appeal form: 2 June 2025
• Appeals will be heard by: 21 July 2025 if possible
• Appeals received after the closing date will be heard by 40 school days of the deadline date OR by 30 school days of the appeal being received (whichever date is later). Please note appeals received after the deadline may not be heard this academic year.

Appeal for a place starting at any other time

• Closing date for submitting your appeal form: 20 days after receipt of your outcome (refusal)
• Appeal will be heard by: 30 school days after the appeals clerk has received your form or as soon as reasonably practical

In Year Appeals

• Use this form to appeal for a school place for an “in year” appeal for a place in reception, year 1 or year 2.
• Use this form to appeal for a school place for an “in year” appeal for a place in year 3 to year 11.

If your appeal is received after the closing date we cannot guarantee that this will be heard within the schedule. Appeals are not heard during the school holidays.

You will receive 10 school days’ notice of the time and date of the appeal hearing. Before your appeal hearing you will be sent a statement explaining why your child has not been offered a place and why the school is unable to admit another pupil.

Any additional documentation you want to provide in support of your appeal must be sent to the appeal clerk 3 school days before your hearing date.

More information

Our Parents’ Guide to Appeals explains what happens if you decide to appeal.

For information on our appeals data please visit GOV.UK and select the geography filter.

To contact the appeals team:

• Email: school.appeals@solihull.gov.uk
• Telephone: 0121 704 8142