PARENTS waiting to hear if their children have secured a place at their preferred primary school are being given advice if they don’t get their first choice.

National law firm Stephensons is advising parents that they may be able to appeal.

Mike Pemberton, of Stephensons, said: “Look closely at the school your child has been given a place for – there may well be more merits than you realise.

“A successful appeal comes under Section 4 of the School Admissions Appeal Code, but it can make any appeal for a reception class more complicated.”

If, after that, people still want to pursue their first choice, Stephensons says there are steps they should follow:

• Find out who to appeal to – the academy trust, local authorities or governing body.

• Check the admissions policy of the school.

• Find out the published admission number of the school.

• Look at the school’s oversubscription policy - has it been applied correctly?

• Check the School Admissions code of Practice 2014, School Admissions Appeals Code 2012 and the School’s Standards and Framework Act 1998.

• Gather evidence supporting any medical, social or other exceptional circumstances.

• An appeal must be made in writing, so make sure this is done in good time.

For further information, visit. https://www.stephensons.co.uk/site/individuals/education/school_admission_appeals/