The Appeals Process

Bishopshalt is one of the most oversubscribed schools in the borough and we understand that families may feel disappointed if they are not offered a place at their preferred school. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your application, you have the right to appeal against that decision.

All appeals are heard by an independent appeal panel, not by the school. The panel performs a judicial function and must act independently, impartially and transparently when considering each case. Its decisions are binding on the admission authority unless overturned by the courts.

The appeal panel will consist of at least three members. The panel will consider the case put forward by both the parent (the appellant) and the admission authority (Bishopshalt School) before reaching an independent decision about whether a place should be offered.

Appeals are conducted in accordance with the statutory School Admission Appeals Code. In most cases involving oversubscribed schools, the panel will consider two main questions:

• Whether the school’s published admission arrangements comply with the law and were correctly applied in your child’s case.
• If the arrangements were correctly applied, the panel will consider the reasons you have given for wanting a place at Bishopshalt School and will balance these against the school’s case that admitting additional pupils may cause prejudice to the provision of efficient education or the efficient use of resources.

When submitting an appeal, you should clearly explain the reasons why you believe your child should be offered a place at the school. You may include any information or supporting evidence you would like the panel to consider.

There is no guarantee that an appeal will be successful. For this reason, families should ensure that they have arrangements in place for their child to attend another school if necessary. Accepting a place at another school does not affect your right to appeal for a place at Bishopshalt.

The admissions criteria used to assess applications are set out in the school’s Admissions Policy, which can be found in the Key Information section of this website. Applications are considered strictly in accordance with the published criteria.

The Published Admission Number (PAN) for Bishopshalt School is 186 places per year group in Years 7–11.

In limited circumstances, the Governing Body may exercise discretion to assist the local authority — London Borough of Hillingdon — in meeting its statutory responsibilities for school place provision.

The deadline for requesting the appeal paperwork for Year 7 Sept 2026 applications is Monday 23 March 2026.  Appeal documentation can be requested by contacting the School. 

The deadline to submit completed appeal paperwork for 2026 is Tuesday 31 March 2026. 

Any late school admission appeals made due to extenuating reasons and after the dates above will be considered, but these late appeals may not be heard until after the start of the new academic year in September.

Number of appeals held in the last 6 years:

Appeal Timetable

Deadline for requesting the appeal paperwork for Year 7 Sept 2026 applications

Monday 23 March 2026.  Appeal documentation can be requested by contacting the School. 

Deadline for submitting completed appeal paperwork

Tuesday 31 March 2026. 

Date appeals to be heard

The Appeal Panel will meet and hold the Appeal Hearing approximately 40 school days after the deadline for lodging Appeals.  For 2026 this will be over the period of week commencing 9 June 2026.

Notice of Appeal Hearing

You will be given at least 10 school days notice of the Hearing date.

Submission and Exchange of all paperwork

Documents should be requested from the school no later than 23 March 2026 and returned by 31 March.  All evidence and paperwork must be submitted at least 10 school days before the appeal hearing date.

Deadline for parent(s) / guardian(s) to submit late paperwork

Late evidence/paperwork can be submitted up to five school days before the appeal hearing date.  If submitted later the documents may NOT be accepted by the panel.

Date for late application appeal hearings

Any late school admission appeals made due to extenuating reasons and after the dates above will be considered, but these late appeals may not be heard until after the start of the new academic year in September.

Timescale for the appeal hearing decision

The clerk to the independent appeals panel will aim to post letters outlining your appeal hearing decision within 5 school days of the end of the hearings. This timescale is subject to the volume of appeals, circumstances and conditions.

Parents are strongly encouraged to meet all deadlines as delays may cause unnecessary disruption and complications.