Check the appeal notice
In England, the admission authority must allow at least 20 school days from sending its decision letter for you to submit an appeal. Keep the letter and check the route and date it gives. A waiting list is separate from the appeal process.
Prepare your reasons
Explain the circumstances affecting the child and why the preferred school matters. Check whether the admission arrangements were applied correctly and gather supporting documents. The panel is independent and applies the School Admission Appeals Code.
At and after the hearing
Read the school's case and the hearing instructions in advance. The panel considers whether the arrangements were lawful and properly applied and, where relevant, weighs competing reasons. Its written decision should explain the outcome.