School admission appeals

Your right to appeal

All parents have the right to appeal if they are not offered a place at their preferred school(s) that they would like their child to attend.

Guidance notes

We recommend that you download our guidance for parents (PDF) which explains how to appeal and how the appeal process works.

Who will deal with your appeal?

If your appeal is for a school in Central Bedfordshire, your appeal should be sent to our Education Appeals Clerk (find out how to contact our Education Appeals Clerk). This is regardless of the type of school is involved (there are several different types e.g. community, voluntary controlled, academy etc.)

Important deadlines

On-time transfer appeals for the secondary round

The published closing date for on-time intake or transfer appeals is Monday, 31 March 2025. Appeals received on or before this date will be heard within 40 school days of the published closing date.

Late transfer appeals for the secondary round

If you miss the published closing date, your appeal will be heard at a later date after appeals received on or before the deadline date.

On-time intake or transfer appeals for the middle and primary round

The published closing date for on-time intake or transfer appeals is Tuesday, 20 May 2025. Appeals received on or before this date will be heard within 40 school days.

Late intake or transfer appeals for the middle and primary round

If you miss the published closing date, your appeal will be heard at a later date after appeals received on or before the deadline date.

In-year (mid-year) appeals

All in-year appeal applications will be heard within 30 school days of the from receipt.

Please note – we aim to hear all appeals by the deadlines but it is subject to the availability of Panel Members. School days do not include weekends, INSET days, or school holidays.

If you are appealing for place at a school located outside of Central Bedfordshire, please contact the relevant council.

Education appeal panel

Volunteer to be an independent school appeals panel member

Are you interested in education and want to get involved? Would you like to assist in an important service for schools and residents of Central Bedfordshire?

If so, Governance Services are currently recruiting volunteers to be members of the school appeals panel. As an impartial service provided to parents and schools, the role of the independent panel is to consider a parent or carer’s appeal, if their child is not offered a place at their preferred school. If you:

• are familiar with the education system in the Local Authority’s area or are a parent of a registered pupil at a school.
• would like to become involved in an impartial service provided to parents and schools.
• are interested in education and can offer some time on an occasional basis.
• have excellent questioning skills, the ability to analyse information, as well as the interpersonal skills to work with other panel members to reach decisions on appeals.
• would be able to balance evidence given by parents and the school and make objective decisions considering the relevant legislation.

This work can be very rewarding, and your contribution could really make a difference to families and schools in Central Bedfordshire.

To find out more about how to become a panel member please email education.appeals@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk