What happens if I am unable to gain a place at my preferred school?

There are often more applications for some schools than there are places available, therefore a place cannot be guaranteed at the preferred school. To assist you we have inciuded in the final table an indication of the places available at schools within Darlington showing the often over-subscribed schools, along with the number of successful appeals for those schools.

If it has not been possible to offer your child a place at your preferred school, you have the right to appeal against the decision of the relevant authority, that is the Local Education Authority in the case of Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools and the Governing Body in the case of Voluntary Aided Schools.

Community Schools Appeals

Community Schools Appeals are heard by an independent panel and parents are given the opportunity to state their case in writing and to attend the hearing in person. Parents can bring along a friend or representative to support them.

Details of the independent appeals procedure and a Notice of Appeal are sent to parents when they are notified that it has not been possible to grant their child a place at the preferred school. If parents wish to appeal the Notice of Appeal should be completed and returned within 28 days to:
Democratic Services Department, Town Hall, Darlington, DL1 5QT.

The decision of the appeal is binding on the Local Education Authority, the school and the appellants. A re-appeal is only possible during the same academic year if there have been significant changes in circumstances, e.g. a house move.