School appeals

If your child is not offered a place at your preferred school, you have the right to appeal against that decision to an independent appeal panel.

For community or voluntary controlled school appeals you can request an appeal form by calling Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council (01254 666605).

If the school is a voluntary aided, foundation, free school or an academy then you must contact the individual school office to request an appeal form.

Once you have completed your form, you should return it to the organisation that sent you it.

If you submit your appeal in the normal admission round on time before 1 April 2025 for secondary schools and 21 May 2025 for primary schools, your appeal will be heard within 40 school days.

At other times of the year, your appeal will be heard within 30 school days of the admissions team or the school receiving your completed appeal form.

A copy of the information relating to your appeal and details of the hearing will be sent to you 10 school days before your appeal is heard.

You will be invited to attend the appeal hearing to tell the independent panel why you feel your child should have a place at your preferred school.
School Admission Appeal hearings will be held in a hybrid format.