How to appeal primary school place if you don't get the spot you want for kids

How to appeal primary school place if you don't get the spot you want for kidsParents across the country will be finding out whether their child is going to their chosen primary school - here's how the appeals process works if you don't get the outcome you wantCommentsNewsBenedict Tetzlaff-Deas News Reporter09:42, 16 Apr 2026View 4 ImagesYou can appeal if your child doesn't get the primary school place you want (file photo)(Image: Getty Images/Image Source)Hundreds of thousands of parents will find out which primary school their child is going to this morning - but there are still options if they don't get the spot you want.‌Local councils across the country will be sending out letters and emails in the hours ahead to let parents know the outcome of their decision.‌Competition for the best schools is always high, with places given in order of priority to children in care, those with siblings already at the school, families living in the catchment area, distance of home to the school, and faith-based requirements for religious schools.‌If you did not receive your first choice, your child is often added to waiting lists for higher-preference schools automatically, or you can appeal the decision.View 4 ImagesCompetition for the best schools is always high(Image: Getty Images)READ MORE: Deputy headteacher at Welsh primary school exposed as sex offenderREAD MORE: Stranger gives £10,500 to family of the boy thrown from the Tate ModernHow will I find out?You will be sent a letter or email with your local authority's decision about your child’s school.‌If your child is refused a place, you can appeal against the decision. The letter will give you the exact details of how to do this.If multiple applications have been turned down, you must appeal against each rejection separately. You can only appeal once against each rejection.View 4 ImagesYou'll be told of the decision in the post or online(Image: Getty)‌How long do I have to lodge an appe...