Information:

2 March 2026 – you'll be able to appeal once you are notified of your allocation.

27 March 2026 (4pm) – deadline to submit your secondary school appeal. Please note that late appeals do not have to be heard until all on-time appeals have been scheduled, and this may not be until the autumn term 2026.

 

This appeals process is for people applying for their child to move up to secondary school in September 2026.

Step 1 - Before you lodge an appeal

You will need:

  • Application reference number
  • Child ID

To find these codes:

Hertfordshire residents

The codes are found on your outcome letter.

If you have trouble locating these details call 0300 123 4043.

Out-of-county residents


Call 0300 123 4043 to obtain your codes (they will be sent to you via automated email).

 

Step 2 - Create an account

Create an account to make an appeal

or sign in if you already have an account.

 

  • Appeals will be heard between 29 April  – 15 June 2026 (excluding 4 May and 25 May – 29 May.)
  • Appellants (the person who made the appeal) will be sent notification of their appeal hearing at least 10 working days in advance of the hearing (unless you've been requested to agree shorter timescales).
  • Appellants will be sent a copy of the school's case 7 working days in advance of the hearing.
  • School Appeals Service aim to ensure the appeals lodged after the deadline are heard as soon as possible after receipt, however this is dependent on all on-time appeals being scheduled first. In some cases, this may mean your appeal is not heard until the autumn term 2026. In most cases, late appeals are heard within 30 school days of being lodged.

See previous years appeals statistics.