What to do if your child didn't get an offer from their first choice school in Leeds

Parents across Leeds are waking up to emails confirming whether or not their child has been offered a place at their first choice primary school.
Primary schoolPrimary school
Primary school

More than 1,100 Leeds children miss out on first choice of primary school, with a total of 8.461 children given their first preference, while 1,134 children missed out on their first option

If you haven't been lucky enough to obtain an offer from your preferred choice of primary school , then there is still a chance for yout o get the decision reversed.

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The appeals process allows parents the chance to put their views across, and the possibility of changing the school place offered to their child.

Here is everything you need to know about appealing Leeds City Council's decision:

What does the appeal process involve?

Leeds City Council say on their website that appeals are heard by panels which are independent of the ​council, schools and governing bodies.

The panel follows the School Admission Appeals Code drawn up by the Department for Education with advice from the Local Government Ombudsman.

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Before making this decision on whether to appeal or not, it is worth considering the reasons that have been given for the refusal to offer a place, and the grounds on which an appeal panel can grant your appeal.

Leeds City Council have a timetable in place which includes when places are allocated from waiting lists and deadlines for accepting offers, which can be viewed by clicking here.General appeal information

Around 10 days before your appeal is heard you will receive a written invite tot he appeal.

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A statement setting out the council's case for not offering your child a place at the school concerned is sent to you and the appeal panel at least one week before the appeal date.

While waiting for an appeal, it is advised that you accept the place you have been offered by contacting the school directly. This will ensure your child does not miss out on education and it will not affect your appeal. Your child will automatically be placed on the waiting list for any school you appeal for and can remain on the list if the appeal fails.

The council also advise that you should provide in advance as much information in support of your appeal as you can. This might include particular personal circumstances including, for example, medical advice.

For more information on the appeal process, click here.