School placing requests and appeals: information for parents

Taking part in school admission or exclusion’s appeal hearing – your options

Appeal hearings can take place either remotely (for example, by video or phone) or in person, depending on what works best for you.

Choosing a remote hearing

If you would prefer to take part in your appeal hearing remotely, for example, by video call or over the phone, you can ask the education authority to arrange this. While your education authority are not legally required to agree to all requests for a remote hearing, they should be flexible and make every effort to support your preferred option. In most cases, your choice should be respected.

Where an appeal committee proposes to hold a hearing by telephone or video conference, it should ensure that each participant has access to video or telephone facilities allowing them to engage in the hearing at all times and present their cases fully, and that the appeal can be heard fairly and transparently.

Choosing an in-person hearing

If you would rather attend your hearing in person, you have the right to do so. The law now says that if you ask for an in-person hearing, the education authority must arrange it.

The education authority will contact you to ask how you would like to take part in your hearing. Make sure to let them know your preference so they can make the right arrangements for you.

Parents have the right to be represented at a hearing, whether it is conducted in-person or remotely, and the appellant may be accompanied by up to three others (including any person representing the appellant).

For details of the process and key deadlines please see the choosing a school guide.