Complain about the appeals process

You can complain about the way the appeal was carried out, but you can not complain about the decision itself.

Maintained schools

Complain to the Local Government Ombudsman.

Fill in the online complaint form.

If a maintained school becomes an academy

If you complain about an appeal concerning a maintained school that then converts to academy status, the Local Government Ombudsman will investigate it and pass any actions to the Department for Education (DfE).

Other schools

Fill in the academy appeal panel complaint form to complain about an appeal made to:

  • free schools
  • academies, including university technical colleges and studio schools

Using the online form is the quickest way to make a complaint. If you need a paper form instead, contact:

Department for Education helpline
Telephone: 0370 000 2288
Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5pm
Find out about call charges

You should get a decision on your complaint within 9 weeks (45 working days). You’ll be told if it’ll take longer.

You’ll get a letter explaining the reasons for the decision.

If DfE decides something went wrong with the appeals panel, it may:

  • ask the school to hold a new appeal hearing with a different panel
  • recommend the school reviews its appeals process

Complain about another school matter

If you have a complaint about a school that is not related to the appeals process, contact the Department for Education.