Schools and learning

Primary - What can you do now? (Continuing Interest & Appeals)

We are sorry that you have not been offered your preferred primary school place. There are some steps that you can now take. Places do become available at some oversubscribed schools, and this varies from year to year. The 'Primary What Can You Do Now?' leaflet, which can be downloaded below, also gives information on home to school transport. If you have any questions or need further help please contact our Customer Service Centre.

1. Accept the school place you have been offered by 31 January 2008

Fill out the allocation reply form and send it to the school at which your child has been offered a place by 31 January 2008.

If you turn down the offer of a place, inform your local Admissions and Transport team of the educational provision you will be making for your child. If you do not accept the school place and do not respond to our letter, we will give you reasonable notice, and the offer of a school place will be withdrawn.

You can accept the place even if you want to apply for continuing interest or lodge an appeal.

2. Ask to go on the continuing interest list by 31 January 2008

You can register a continuing interest in up to three community and voluntary-controlled schools. These can be different from the schools you listed on your primary application form.

If you applied online, register a continuing interest online until 31 January 2008 (online facility is only available until this date) OR

Fill out the paper form at the back of this leaflet and return it by 31 January 2008.

If you register a continuing interest after 31 January 2008 your application will not be included in the first round but will be included in further rounds.

If you would like to register a continuing interest in a voluntary-aided or foundation school, please contact the school direct.

3. Request and return an appeal pack by 4.00pm on 8 February 2008

You have the right to appeal for a place at any of the schools listed on your primary application form at which your child was not offered a place. Appeals are heard by independent panels made up of people who have no connection at all with the original decision. Appeal forms must be received by 4.00 pm on 8 February 2008.

If you applied for a place at a community or voluntary-controlled school online you can submit an appeal on the website OR

Request a paper appeal form online by clicking on the 'Request a publication' link found on the right of this page or call the Customer Service Centre.

It is against the law for a child at Key Stage 1 (reception and years 1 and 2) to be taught in a class of over 30 pupils. Independent appeal panels must also adhere to this legislation. If an appeal would lead to a class size of over 30 it will not normally be successful.

Appeals begin in the week commencing 25 February 2008. Everything you need to know will be in your appeal pack. Please note that returning an appeal for a school does not register you on the continuing interest list for that school. This must be done separately.

If you wish to appeal to a voluntary-aided or foundation school, please contact the school direct.

4. Request a pupil audit report from 18 January 2008

A pupil audit report shows you how we have applied the rules to your applications to community and voluntary-controlled schools. You can request a copy online by clicking on the 'Request a publication' link found on the right of this page or by calling the Customer Service Centre. Voluntary-aided and foundation schools should be able to provide you with similar information; please contact the school direct.

Further information can be found in the document below, alternatively you can request a copy from the Customer Service Centre on 01438 737500. Callers from 01923 or 0208 dialling codes may wish to call 01923 471500 in order to be charged at local rates.