Guidance
School land: resolving disputes
The schools adjudicator resolves disputes about the ownership of non-playing field land on the sites of maintained schools.
Applies to England
When the adjudicator can accept a referral
The adjudicator can make decisions on who owns non-playing field land on the sites of:
- community schools
- voluntary schools
- foundation schools
The adjudicator can accept a referral in certain circumstances, for example where a:
- school or local authority proposes to dispose of school land not designated as a playing field
- school is no longer using a piece of land which the local authority wishes to use
- local authority wishes to dispose of land belonging to a voluntary aided school
Get legal advice
Local authorities and governing bodies must seek their own legal advice first before making a referral to the adjudicator for a decision on land issues.
Making a referral about school land
To make a referral about a school land issue email: osa.team@schoolsadjudicator.gov.uk.
Published 16 August 2022