If you are refused a place at your preferred school, you have the right under the Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998 (Section 94) as amended by the Education Act 2002, to appeal against the decision. It is your opportunity to present your reasons for preferring a particular school to an independent panel who will decide whether your reasons are strong enough to overturn the decision of the Local Authority (LA) or Governing Body in the case of Voluntary Aided Schools.

The admissions appeals process for most schools is administered by the Council's Democratic Services section. This ensures that it is separate from and independent of the schools concerned and the education authority.

To talk to someone abut Admission Appeals, contact the B&NES School Appeals Officer, on 01225 394416, email Democratic Services@bathnes.gov.uk or write to us at Democratic Services,  4th Floor, Riverside, Temple Street, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1LA.

Other pages in this section:

• The Appeal Panel
  
  
• Who else will be present?
  
  
• How to go about making your case
  
  
• Do I need to attend the hearing?
  
  
• At the appeal hearing
  
  
• The decision making
  
  
• Results of appeals
  
  
• Further information
  
  
• What if I have special needs?

Other useful contacts:

• Secretary of State, Department for Education and Skills, Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT. Call (020) 7925 5000
  
  
• Local Government Ombudsman, The Oaks No 2, Westwood Way, Westwood Business Park, Coventry, CV4 8JB

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