How to appeal
To appeal for any Hartlepool school:
- request an appeal form from the School Admissions Team
- complete and return the form before the deadline
You can appeal if:
- you applied for a Reception place for September 2026 and your child was not offered a place at one of your preferred schools on 16 April 2026
- you applied for a Year 7 place for September 2026 and your child was not offered a place on 3 March 2026
- you applied to change your child’s school during the school year and your child was refused a place
If you're appealing for a place at a school outside Hartlepool, you need to contact the school's local authority | Get Information about Schools' to find a school's local authority.
Important to know
- you must submit a separate appeal for each school
- you must submit a separate appeal for each child
- appeals cannot be submitted through the Parent Portal
- hearings are held Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
If you’re unable to attend the meeting on the date and time informed, then your appeal can be heard using your written application and any evidence you provide. You can also ask a friend or relative to attend the meeting on your behalf.
Due to the volume of appeals which take place, and the process involved in arranging appeals, it is normally not possible for appeal hearings to be rearranged.
When you will hear from us
- you’ll receive an acknowledgement from the School Admissions Team. Our Democratic Services Team will contact you with your hearing date.
- you will be given at least 10 school days’ notice of your hearing
- reception and Year 7 appeals take place within 40 school days of the appeal deadline
- in-year appeals take place within 30 school days of receiving your appeal
Withdrawing your appeal
Please email schoolappeals@hartlepool.gov.uk to withdraw your appeal.