Appealing for a School Place - Guidance For Parents

Please note, any school admission appeals, which are submitted after Friday 5 June 2026 will not be heard until after schools return from the summer break (September 2026).

If you do not get your preferred school, and you think there are important reasons why your child should go there, you can appeal to the Independent Appeal Panel.

The members of the Appeal Panel are totally independent and will not have any connection with either the Council or the school you have applied for. If they decide you have a good case, in certain circumstances, they can give you a place.

We can help if the school is in Tameside. If the school is not in Tameside, then appeal to the school's local council – even if you applied on Tameside’s online form and we’ve written to say you didn’t get in.

Complete the form for each school place offer you want to appeal about.

You can only appeal about a place at a school you have applied for after you have been refused a place in writing.

You can also only appeal for a place that was a higher preference on your original application than the place you have now been given.

Your child has to attend school, so they should take the place they have been offered while your appeal is dealt with.

There are different rules depending on the age of your child.

• Read the rules for children in reception, year one and year two
• Read the rules for children in year three and over

Allocation Appeals

Below are the dates for appealing a decision for September 2026 entry into Reception or Year 7:

For late applications, appeals will be heard within 40 school days from the deadline for lodging appeals where possible, or within 30 school days of the appeal being lodged.

You’ll be sent notification of your appeal hearing, alongside relevant documentation, including details of how to join the hearing, at least 10 school days in advance of your hearing date.

In-Year Transfer Appeals

For applications for in-year admissions, appeals will be heard within 30 school days of the appeal being lodged.

You'll be sent notification of your appeal hearing, alongside relevant documentation, including details of how to join the hearing, at least 10 school days in advance of your hearing date..

If you wish to submit further evidence, which was not included with your initial appeal application, you must ensure that we receive it at last 3 working days in advance of your hearing date. You can send this to schoolappeals@tameside.gov.uk Any additional evidence or information received after this date might not be considered at the appeal hearing.  The Independent Appeal Panel will then decide whether it should be considered, taking into account its significance and the effect of a possible need to adjourn the hearing.

Appeal a decision

What if I Have any Other Queries?

School Appeals (Democratic Services)

0161 342 2316 or 0161 342 8355

SENDIASS – Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service

SENDIASS provides confidential, impartial information, advice and support to children and young people (aged 0-25 years) with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and their parents and carers, on education matters and health and social care matters in relation to their education and learning.

0161 342 3383

The Local Government

Ombudsman
P.O Box 4771
Coventry
CV4 0EH
tel: 0300 061 0614 / 0845 602 1983
fax: 024 7682 0001