Choosing the right primary or secondary school for your child is an important decision and one that you are likely to feel strongly about. When your child is refused a place at the school of your or their choice it can be stressful and it may not be easy to see your best way forward.

Refused a place at school?

If you have received notification that the school of your choice has not been able to offer your child a place, you will want to know straight away whether there is anything you can do. You will have a right of appeal against the decision.

You will want to know how the appeals process works, why a place has been refused and what your strongest grounds for appeal may be. You will want to know how best to present your case and any timescales or deadlines involved.

Building your appeal

To begin your appeal you will need to lodge a notice of your intention to appeal and then you will need to draft your detailed grounds of appeal. You may also need advice on the school’s statement of case, what it means and how to counter its arguments most effectively. Finally, you may want someone to represent and support you on the day of the appeal hearing itself to bring much needed relief to the stress the day can bring.

Fisher Meredith’s Education Law solicitors have been at the forefront of Education Law for many years. Our Education lawyers recognise the importance of getting your child into the school of your choice and the stress and confusion that often follows if a place at that school is refused.

We know that for admissions, each case must be considered on its own individual facts and we will advise you accordingly.

Important things to consider

When you have not got a place of your choice, it is always worth considering an appeal. You never know if your personal circumstances may strike a chord with a member of the appeal panel.

Keep a record of any important conversations and keep copies of any correspondence and documents. Someone else may be able to provide information that could help, such as a family doctor, or your child’s current school teacher, or head teacher.

If you are worried things are happening too quickly, then talk to a solicitor as soon as possible.

For our fees, please visit the Education Law Fees page.

Why use Fisher Meredith?

Fisher Meredith is an award winning London law firm with offices in Richmond, Surrey and Kennington, London. Our Education Law solicitors have an outstanding reputation for acting on behalf of individuals with highly successful results.

For 35 years, Fisher Meredith has developed a reputation for being approachable and “going the extra mile” for its clients whilst maintaining ethical and socially responsible standards.

Fisher Meredith’s Education Law solicitors specialise in the field of school admissions and our Education lawyers can advise you on the law and your rights.

Our Education Law Department has years of experience helping parents with admission appeals to both primary and secondary schools. With our expertise and up-to-date knowledge of the current admissions code and case law, we can help you and guide you through the admission appeals process.

Fisher Meredith is ranked as a Tier 3 firm in the Legal 500 for practising Education Law.

What should I do now?

If your child has been refused admission to a primary or secondary school, and you wish to challenge the decision, our Education Law solicitors can provide you with quality advice to achieve the best possible outcome.

For initial advice or to arrange a meeting with one of our solicitors, please contact our helpline on 0800 014 7445.