If you require further information about the appeals process please use the contact details on the right.
If you wish to make an appeal please contact the Admissions Team for an appeal form. A 'Guide for Parents' which explains the full process will be sent to you with the appeal form.
We have arranged the admission appeal information for your convenience. Click on the relevant question below to find out more.
Can I appeal if my child has not been offered a place at my chosen school?
You may appeal for a place at any school to which you apply and for which you have been refused a place.
What happens if my child attends a Voluntary Aided School?
For voluntary aided and faith schools in Northamptonshire, the responsibility for appeal arrangements rests with the school, and you should contact them directly for details.
What happens if my child attends a Community or Voluntary Controlled School?
For community schools and Voluntary Controlled Schools, the responsibility for appeals rests with Northamptonshire County Council.
When do I need to apply by?
The recommended period to submit your appeal is within 14 days of receiving notification that your preferred school application was unsuccessful.
Can I appeal for a place at more than one school?
You may appeal for a place at more than one school. Remember you appeal for the school you would prefer. You do not need to contact the school where your child has been allocated a place.
What will happen once I have appealed?
You will be invited to attend an appeal hearing where an independent appeal panel will look at your case. After all the appeals have been heard for your school, you will receive a letter within 7 days explaining the outcome of the appeal.
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Can I appeal even if I have accepted another place?
Acceptance of a place at a school does not affect your right to appeal for a place at another school.
However, if you decide to appeal for any of your preferences, it is wise to secure a place for your child at an alternative school in case your appeal is unsuccessful. This is because secondary transfer appeals are normally heard during the second half of the summer term.
By this time, there will be very few alternative schools which still have vacancies. Northamptonshire County Council's Schools Service is always willing to discuss alternative schools with vacancies at any stage in the process.
Can you appeal twice in one academic place?
The council will not consider a second application for a place at the same school within the same academic year, unless it considers there has been a significant change in the circumstances of the parent, child or school.
Who is on the appeal panel?
Appeals are heard by an Independent Appeal Panel consisting of three members. No member of the panel may be influenced or lobbied by Councillors, Local Politicians, nor any person employed by the County Council.
A decision by an appeal committee whether or not to offer a school place is binding on the County Council and the School.
If your appeal for a Northamptonshire community school is unsuccessful, you may not appeal for the same school within the same academic year unless there has been a significant material change in your circumstances.
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