Not getting the place you hoped for can feel upsetting. Take a breath before making decisions. A school offer or a test score does not decide your child's worth, and there are many places where they can learn and thrive.

Find out why the place was refused

Read the decision carefully. Did your child not reach the academic standard, or did they qualify but miss out because other applicants had higher priority? These are different issues. Ask the admission authority to explain anything unclear.

Keep a school place secure

Respond to the offered place by the deadline. In England, accepting that place does not stop you appealing for another school. Ask the local authority how to join waiting lists and whether you need to renew your request. Waiting lists use the published admission priorities; they are not simply first come, first served.

A review and an appeal are different

Some areas offer a selection review after test results. An admission appeal follows a refusal of a school place. Check both processes and deadlines: requesting a review does not replace a school application or an appeal.

For state-funded schools in England, the refusal letter explains how to appeal. You must have at least 20 school days from the decision being sent to submit an appeal. Follow the actual date in your letter. See GOV.UK's appeal guidance.

Prepare a clear, factual case

  • Explain why this particular school would meet your child's needs.
  • If academic qualification is in question, ask the primary school for relevant evidence of academic ability.
  • If circumstances affected the test, explain what happened and provide relevant supporting evidence.
  • Follow the evidence deadline and keep copies of what you submit.

For grammar-school appeals, academic suitability and the effect of admitting another pupil can both matter. Where a local review has already taken place, the panel may first consider whether it was fair, consistent and objective. The School Admission Appeals Code explains these rules. Success is not guaranteed.

Help your child look forward

Let adults handle the appeal. Visit the offered school, explore clubs and talk about the things your child enjoys. Keep reading and learning gently, without treating the next school as a disappointment. Ask for help if the worry is affecting everyday life.