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Appeal against not getting a primary school place

Find out how to appeal if your child isn’t offered a primary school you applied for.

What appeals we handle

We deal with appeals for community schools in the borough. You should contact the school directly if you have been refused a place by:

  • an academy

  • a faith school

  • a school outside the borough.

What happens if your child doesn't qualify for a place

  • If your child does not qualify for a place at one of the schools you applied for, we will offer you a different school. This may be a faith school, a non-faith school or a school outside your neighbourhood.

  • There is no limit on how far away the school can be, but we aim to offer a place within two miles of your family home.

When you get an offer

  • We encourage you to accept the school you have been offered. If you decline it, we cannot guarantee to offer you one of your preferred schools by the start of the school year.
  • Before you accept or decline an offer, you can visit the school first and speak to the headteacher about opportunities available to your child.
  • Headteachers will be happy to show you their school and assure you that your child can excel there.
  • If you accept the offer, you will still stay on the waiting list for your preferred schools and it will not affect any admissions appeals.

Get independent advice

For independent advice, contact ACE Education Adv. You can call their telephone advice line on 0300 0115 142, Monday–Wednesday, 10am–1pm

Timetable of appeals 

Date   Event
16 April 2025  You get an offer for starting school for September 2025
14 May 2025 Deadline for making an appeal for community schools in the borough
June–July 2025  Appeal hearings for community schools in the borough.  This is for appeals submitted by 16 April 2025.  You will receive written notification at least 10 school days before the appeal hearing.

How to appeal

Appeal online

Click 'Appeal now' and log into our website. If you don't have an account, you need to register first. The form takes about 20 minutes to complete depending on the nature of your appeal.

Appeal by email

You can also download the appeal form below and email it to us. Contact us if you would like a hard copy of the form.

Contact

Primary School Admissions and Appeals

Contact

Independent Appeals Clerk c/o Jasmine Kassim

Civic Suite, Catford Road, London, SE6 4RU

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How to apply

Find out how to apply for a primary school place.
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