National Offer Day: What to do if your child misses out

More than half a million 11-year-olds find out if they got their first choice of Secondary School. Credit: PA

Today is 'National Offer Day', when more than half a million 11-year-olds find out if they got their first choice of Secondary School. It's a day of great excitement for many - but disappointment for tens of thousands who don't get the place they were after.

If your child has missed out find out what your options are now:

  • Waiting lists - Many children get school places from waiting lists after the initial allocation of places.

  • You can find out more from your preferred school where your child is on the waiting list and estimate their chance of getting in.

  • Right to appeal- If you're not happy with the place your child has been offered you do have the right to appeal.

  • You'll receive a letter from your local authority stating that your child hasn't got a place and it will tell you how to make an appeal against the decision and the deadline you need to appeal by.

  • You must inform the local authority of your decision to appeal in writing.

  • You’ll then be given a date for your appeal hearing at least ten days in advance.

  • It is assessed by an independent panel.