The Department for Education has released its annual review of complaints relating to academy admission appeals for the 2025 – 2026 academic year. The findings provide a clear indication of where independent appeal panels continue to fall short of the requirements set out in the School Admission Appeals Code and where academy trusts should focus their compliance efforts ahead of the next appeals season.
The School Complaints Compliance Unit (SCCU) received 284 complaints during the review period and determined that 120 fell within its remit. Although most appeals were conducted lawfully, the SCCU upheld 45 complaints. Nineteen of these required a fresh appeal to be held, while the remainder involved maladministration without injustice. The themes identified are consistent with previous years and demonstrate that procedural accuracy remains the most significant challenge for admission authorities.
A number of recurring issues were highlighted. These included failures to meet statutory timescales, particularly the requirement to give parents ten school days notice of the hearing. Decision letters were frequently found to be unclear or inaccurate, sometimes containing information relating to the wrong appellant. Clerks notes were often insufficient to demonstrate that the panel had properly considered the evidence, including the assessment of prejudice and the balancing of parental reasons. Remote hearings also continued to present difficulties, especially where technical problems or accessibility issues prevented parents from participating fully.
The review emphasises that administrative precision is essential. Even minor errors can undermine the fairness of the process. Clerks must ensure that their notes provide a clear record of the evidence considered, the questions asked, the panel’s reasoning and the outcome of the vote. Where this information is incomplete or ambiguous, the SCCU is more likely to find maladministration.
Remote and hybrid hearings remain permissible but require careful management. Panels must be satisfied that parents can engage meaningfully in the process and that any technical difficulties are addressed promptly. The reasons for holding a remote hearing should be recorded, and telephone hearings should only be used where video is not possible and both parties agree.
Decision letters continue to be a weak point for many admission authorities. The SCCU identified letters that lacked clarity, did not explain the evidence considered or failed to set out the reasons for the decision. Given that the decision letter is the only written record provided to parents, trusts should ensure that templates are reviewed regularly and that clerks receive appropriate training.
To support compliance, trusts should focus on a small number of core actions:
- Publish appeals timetables by 28 February each year and ensure that statutory notice periods are met
- Provide regular training for clerks and panel members on the legal framework and the requirements of the Code
- Maintain clear and comprehensive records of hearings, including the panel’s reasoning and voting
- Review decision letter templates to ensure accuracy, clarity and consistency
The review reinforces that admission appeals are a judicial process rather than an administrative exercise. Panels must operate with independence and impartiality, and trusts must ensure that their systems and documentation are robust enough to withstand scrutiny. With the volume of complaints remaining high, the DfE’s findings offer a valuable opportunity for trusts to strengthen their procedures and reduce the risk of maladministration in the year ahead.
