How to make a school place appeal

To appeal a school place, you will need to request an appeals form from the school admissions team. It’s easiest to do this by email.

To request an appeal form:

Completing the appeal form

The appeal form will ask for information about you and your child, such as:

• contact details
• the school you are appealing for, and which one you have been allocated
• whether you will attend the appeal hearing, and whether you would like to attend in-person, or virtually
• any access or communication needs you may have.

There is space on the form for you to state the reasons for your appeal. We recommend that you clearly explain in detail all the reasons why you believe your child should go to your preferred school, instead of any other.

Supporting evidence

You can also include any supporting documents that are relevant to your case along with your appeal form. Examples of documents that might support your appeal include:

• doctor’s letters or medical certificates
• proof of address, if you have recently moved to the area.

Submitting your appeal form

It’s easiest to submit your completed appeal form by email. The team will accept emailed photos of any supporting evidence, as long as they are clear. You can provide the original documents later at your appeal hearing.

To submit your appeal form:

Alternatively, you can post your completed appeal form, along with any supporting evidence, to:

School admissions
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
County Hall
Cross Street
Beverley
East Riding of Yorkshire
HU17 9BA.

After you have submitted your appeal

Once you have submitted your form, the school admissions team will write to you to acknowledge receipt of your appeal.

You’ll be contacted again at a later date to let you know when your appeal hearing will take place.

Deadlines for submitting appeals

It is important that you submit your appeal on time. If your child is due to start at a new school for the first time (either into Reception year at a primary school, or Year 7 at a secondary school) in September 2026, the appeal deadlines are as follows:

Primary and junior school appeal deadlines

For primary school (Reception or junior school) applications, appeal forms should be submitted by 22 May 2026.

Secondary school appeal deadlines

For secondary school (Year 7) applications, appeal forms should be submitted by 17 April 2026.

In-year school appeals

There is no set deadline for appeals for transfers during the school year, or outside of the normal admissions round, known as ‘in-year applications’, as long as they are made within the same academic year for which you have applied.

However, we recommend you submit your appeal as soon as possible if you wish to make one, so that your case can be resolved in good time.

When your appeal hearing will take place

The timing of hearings vary depending on the type of appeal you are making:

Primary and junior school appeals

For applications to start a primary or junior school for the first time in September 2026, hearings will take place during June and July 2026.

Secondary school appeals

For applications to start a secondary school (Year 7) for the first time in September 2026, hearings will take place during May, June and July 2026.

In-year school appeals

Hearings for in-year appeals are typically held within 30 school days from the date we receive your appeal form.