Primary school admissions Manchester 2022: how to appeal school place after National Offer Day decision

Primary school offers have now been sent across Manchester.
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Parents across Manchester have now received their child’s primary school place offer for September 2022.

Parents and guardians applied back in January, meaning they’ve been waiting  over three months for a decision.

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But what if your child hasn’t got into your school of choice for them? This is everything you need to know about the appeals process.

When were offers sent out?

Offers for primary school places for those starting in September were sent out on Tuesday, April 19.

For those who didn’t apply online, a letter will be received on approximately April 19, according to a Manchester City Council spokesperson.

If you applied online, an email will be sent to you on April 19.

Can I appeal the decision?

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If you’re not happy with your child’s school place, you can appeal the decision.

The only exception to this is for children who have been permanently excluded from two or more schools, who will not be able to appeal for two years from the last exclusion.

Manchester Council recommends that you accept the alternative offer you were given, so that your child doesn’t miss out on their education. This will not affect your appeal.

How do I appeal?

You can appeal against a decision on the Manchester City Council website.

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When you follow the link to the web page, click the red button that says ‘appeal a decision.

The process after you click on this should take around 20 minutes.

You will be asked a  series of questions, such as whether your child has a disability, the school they were refused at, their gender and more.

Does this apply for every school in Manchester?

Some Manchester schools arrange their own appeals.

These schools are:

  • King David Primary School
  • King David High School
  • The Manchester Academy
  • The Communications Academy 
  • William Hulme Grammar School Academy
  • Wright Robinson College.

For these schools , you should not use the appeal decision form provided on the council website, and instead contact the schools directly.

When is the deadline?

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In order for the matter to be resolved as soon as possible, it’s important that you appeal ahead of the deadline.

The deadline to appeal a decision for a primary school place in Manchester is May 20, 2022.

This is so the appeal can be considered before the start of the Autumn term.

Who considers my appeal?

Your appeal will be considered by an Independent Appeals Panel and they will carefully consider all of the evidence provided before making a decision.

What can I expect to happen at the hearing?

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The hearing will be as informal as it can be, to ensure the parent is at ease early on in the process.

Attending the hearing will be the:

  • Independent Appeals Panel
  • The clerk to the panel
  • The Presenting Officer from the admission authority 
  • A representative from the school you’re appealing against (possibly)
  • An interpreter (if requested)

When will I be told the decision of the panel?

You will be notified of the decision made by the panel via post, and it will be no later than five school days after the hearing.

The decision made by the panel is final, and can only be overturned in a Court of Law.

How can I contact the admissions team?

Details of the admissions team can be found below:

Address: PO Box 532, Town Hall, Albert Square, Manchester M60 2LA

Phone number: 0161 245 7166