How to appeal for an 11+ grammar school place
If your child is not offered a grammar school place on National Offer Day, you have the right to appeal. Here is how it works.
First, accept the place you were offered
Always accept the school you were offered, even while you appeal. It does not harm your appeal, and it keeps a place safe.
The deadlines
- You have at least 20 school days from the date of the decision to send your written appeal. Kent's deadline for 2027 entry is Tuesday 13 April 2027.
- You get at least 10 school days' notice of the hearing.
- The decision letter should come within 5 school days of the hearing, where possible.
Two kinds of grammar school appeal
1. Your child did not reach the pass standard. The panel can only uphold the appeal if there is evidence that your child is of the required academic standard, and your case outweighs the school's. If the council ran a local review (for example Kent's headteacher panels), the panel checks whether that review was fair, consistent and objective.
2. Your child passed, but the school was full. Then it is like other appeals: the school explains why one more child would cause problems, and you explain why your child needs a place there.
Evidence that helps
- A letter from the primary school headteacher or class teacher about your child's ability.
- School reports, and national test or assessment results.
- Examples of your child's work, especially maths and writing.
- Reasons the test day went wrong, with proof (for example a doctor's note for illness).
- Scores that were very close to the pass mark.
Practice papers and tutor reports usually carry less weight than school evidence.
The hearing
An independent panel of three or more people hears the appeal. Hearings are often online. Be short and clear: explain your key points and point to your evidence.
Keep your options open
Stay on the waiting lists for schools you ranked higher. Places often come up over the spring and summer.
Sources: School Admission Appeals Code 2022 (paragraphs 2.1 and 3.13); Kent County Council guide for secondary admissions 2027.