1. School appeals
Although most children are able to attend their parents’ preferred school, this is not always possible.
In some cases, schools are full to the maximum capacity and admitting extra pupils would be detrimental to efficient education and use of resources. In these circumstances, the admission authority is unable to admit further pupils.
Under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, if you are refused admission to a school, you have the right to submit an appeal to an Independent Appeals Panel.
If you want to appeal about more than one school that you have applied for and been refused admission to you will need to appeal separately about each decision. However, you may only appeal for any school once each school year unless there has been a significant change in your circumstances.
At the Appeal Hearing you are given the opportunity to explain to a panel of people who are independent of the school and the Local Authority why you wish your child to go to your preferred school.
How to submit an appeal
Any written evidence that you wish to use to support your case should be submitted to the Appeal Panel before the hearing.
It is important that you tell the Independent Appeal Panel all the reasons why you want your child to attend your preferred school.
If you are making your appeal on medical grounds, you must submit medical evidence from your doctor or hospital to support your case.
This evidence must clearly demonstrate that the school you are appealing for is the only school that can meet the medical needs of your or your child and why alternative schools that have been offered cannot meet those needs.
Appeals for Blue Coat School and Brian Clarke CE Academy
If you wish to appeal for Blue Coat School and or Brian Clarke CE Academy please visit their school website or contact them directly as the schools process its own appeals
Documentary evidence
If you have any documentary evidence to support your appeal send a copy with your appeal form to:
School Appeals
Oldham Council Offices
Spindles Shopping Centre
West Street
Oldham
OL1 1HD
Appeal form
- Appeal form (PDF) / Appeal form (MS Word) Years 3 to 11 - Use this form for appeals unless infant class legislation applies. Year 3 to 11.
- Infant class size appeal form (PDF) / Infant class size appeal form (MS Word) Reception and years 1 and 2 - Use this form if infant class size legislation applies (Contact your school to find out if this is the case)
Appeal dates - Secondary school admissions 2025
- Appeal form available 3 March 2025
- Closing date to submit appeal form 11 April 2025
- Last week for appeal hearings 7 July 2025
Appeal dates - Primary school admissions 2025
- Appeal form available 16 April 2025
- Closing date to submit appeal form 9 May 2025
- Last week for appeal hearings 7 July 2025
Non-Oldham schools
If you wish to appeal for a school that is not in Oldham, please contact the Local Authority in which the school is located for information on their appeals process.