School admission appeals

How coronavirus is affecting school admission appeals

In April 2020, the Department for Education made emergency regulations during the coronavirus outbreak, which temporarily amended the 2012 admission appeal regulations.

The regulations advise that face-to-face appeal hearings should not take place until the government guidelines on social distancing indicate it is safe to do so. Admission authorities, clerks and panels should comply with the government guidelines applicable at the time of arranging and hearing the appeal.

Where face-to-face hearings cannot take place, hearings should be conducted by telephone or video conference. Where telephone or video conference is not possible, appeals conducted entirely on the basis of written submissions are acceptable.

In accordance with this guidance, we've put in place arrangements to hear education appeals, virtually, via Microsoft Teams (a free app that can be downloaded to your computer, phone or tablet). If you're struggling to get Microsoft Teams working, email education.appeals@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk and we'll do all we can to help.

If you do not have access to video conferencing facilities, your appeal will be conducted entirely on the basis of a written submission.