When do we find out about secondary school places 2021 and what to do if your child hasn’t got an offer?

THE next academic year is fast approaching and kids will find out today, March 1, if they have been offered a place at their chosen secondary schools.

Here's all you need to know about how the process works – and what to do if your child is refused a place.

When are secondary school places announced?

Councils send out offers of places for secondary schools by March 1, 2021.

Year Six pupils across England and Wales find out where they'll be transferring to in September.

Parents who applied online will receive the result of their application by email during the evening of Monday March 1, 2021, explains Lewisham Council.

Parents who applied by post will receive a letter shortly after March 1 2021.

What happens when you get your letter/email?

If you want to accept the place you have been offered, you must accept the offer by the deadline given in the offer letter.

But if you don't accept, the offer could be withdrawn and that placement could go to another pupil.

If you made your application online you should go to www.eadmissions.org.uk to accept the place your child has been offered.

You will need to log into your eAdmissions account using the same user name and password you used to make your original application.

What should I do if my child isn’t given a place?

If your child is not offered a place at their chosen schools, your local council must provide an alternative.

This is usually your nearest school with places still available.

Can I appeal a decision?

You have the right of appeal under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 against the refusal of a place at any of the schools which you listed on your application form.

Natalie Tolley, who works in Stephensons’ education law team, advises: “The thing for parents to remember is that they have time, as the deadline for appeals must be at least 20 school days from the national offer day and deadlines must be published on the admission authority’s website.

“They should take time to consider the school which has been offered and whether it meets their child’s needs.

"Sometimes a second choice is entirely appropriate, albeit not ideal. Is travel feasible? Are any of the child’s friends going there?

"Is the child happy with the offer?

“Either way, parents need to accept the offer to secure a place so they’re not left without a school, they can always withdraw it later if they make a successful appeal.

“If parents do decide to appeal it’s time to do their homework and gather information together to provide the best chances of success.”

How to appeal secondary schools placements

Stephensons’ education law team advises the following should your child doesn’t get the place they want:

1.Find out who to appeal to – the type of school will determine who will consider your appeal, which could be the academy trust or local authorities or governing body.

2. Check the admissions policy of the school – check the school or local authority's website to view this and ensure that the correct policy has been followed.

3. Find out the published admission number of the school – look at the oversubscription policy. Has it been applied correctly? You may also want to check the School Admissions code of Practice 2014, School Admissions Appeals Code 2012 and relevant parts of the School’s Standards and Framework Act 1998.
4. Gather evidence supporting any medical social or other exceptional circumstances you wish to rely upon.

5. An appeal must be made in writing so make sure you do this in good time.

6. Consider whether you will need help or representation at the appeal hearing. As a parent you’re entitled to be represented at appeal by a friend or lawyer.

7. Once an appeal is lodged it must be heard within 40 school days of the appeals deadline.

There is no one set procedure to follow for every school as there are slight variations depending on the borough you live in.

Specific information will be available on your council’s website but there are some general guidelines.

Usually you will be notified by post or email of any decision and in most cases you have to appeal within at least 20 school days of being told of a decision.

The letter will also tell you how to make an appeal.

The government’s website says you have to appeal against each rejection separately.

You can only appeal once against each rejection.

Notifications of hearings are sent out in March or early April, with appeals having to be heard within 40 days of the deadline.

Dates will vary depending if you have been applying to a primary or secondary school.

Appeals can usually be made online or in writing.

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