Changes to the School Admission Appeals Code

The Department for Education consulted on changes to the School Admission Appeals Code to allow appeals to be held remotely as well as in person and to allow appeal hearings to continue with two panel members where the third member needs to withdraw.

There was broad support for most of our proposals, in particular the proposal to allow admission authorities to offer remote appeals. The proposal to allow appeal hearings to continue with two panel members where the third member has to withdraw also received support but those who opposed the change raised important concerns about fairness and the perception of fairness.

A total of 488 responses were received. Of these, 94 were from local authorities, 135 were from representatives of schools and academy trusts, 169 from admission appeal panel members and 72 responses were from individuals.

Alongside the publication of the government’s response to the consultation, a revised Appeals Code was laid before Parliament on 16 June 2022. The revised Appeals Code, subject to the Parliamentary process, will come into force on 1 October 2022. The current 2012 Appeals Code will continue to apply until this date.