What types of school issues does this section cover?

The page covers legal issues for school pupils and parents, including admissions, exclusions, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP), bullying, discrimination, and academic appeals at the school level.

What can I do if my child's school admission is refused?

If a school admission is refused, you can appeal the decision. The page also notes that SENDIAS services provide free, statutory impartial advice in every local authority, which may be relevant to various school-related disputes.

Who can provide free advice for school exclusion appeals?

For exclusion appeals, IPSEA and Coram Children's Legal Centre offer free advice. Additionally, SENDIAS services provide free, statutory impartial advice in every local authority for a range of education law issues.

What support is recommended for SEND tribunal appeals?

The page indicates that SEND tribunal appeals are best supported by an independent expert, particularly at the contested-evidence stage. This applies when an EHCP is refused or its contents are disputed.

Does this section address bullying and discrimination at school?

Yes, the page lists disability discrimination at school and bullying that is not handled appropriately as key topics. It also covers cases where an EHCP is refused or its contents are disputed.

All Situations

For School Pupils and Parents

Admissions, exclusions, SEND/EHCP, bullying, discrimination, and academic appeals at school level.

Reviewed 2026-05-22

Common Problems

School admission refused — appeal

Permanent or fixed-term exclusion

EHCP refused or contents disputed

Disability discrimination at school

Bullying not handled

Key Legal Topics

Education Law

School admissions, special educational needs, exclusions, and academy governance.

Useful Guides

Appealing to the SEND Tribunal

How to appeal an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan decision to the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability).

Education Law

Letter Templates

School Admission Appeal Letter

Letter to the school's admission appeal panel setting out the grounds for an admission appeal under the School Admissions Code.

Request for EHC Needs Assessment

Parent's written request to a local authority for an Education, Health and Care needs assessment for a child or young person.

Legal Tools & Calculators

SEND Tribunal appeal deadline checker

Two months from the LA decision letter (one month if mediation considered).

Protected characteristic check

Is the reason for unfavourable treatment a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010?

Frequently asked questions

What types of school issues does this section cover?: The page covers legal issues for school pupils and parents, including admissions, exclusions, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP), bullying, discrimination, and academic appeals at the school level.
What can I do if my child's school admission is refused?: If a school admission is refused, you can appeal the decision. The page also notes that SENDIAS services provide free, statutory impartial advice in every local authority, which may be relevant to various school-related disputes.
Who can provide free advice for school exclusion appeals?: For exclusion appeals, IPSEA and Coram Children's Legal Centre offer free advice. Additionally, SENDIAS services provide free, statutory impartial advice in every local authority for a range of education law issues.
What support is recommended for SEND tribunal appeals?: The page indicates that SEND tribunal appeals are best supported by an independent expert, particularly at the contested-evidence stage. This applies when an EHCP is refused or its contents are disputed.
Does this section address bullying and discrimination at school?: Yes, the page lists disability discrimination at school and bullying that is not handled appropriately as key topics. It also covers cases where an EHCP is refused or its contents are disputed.

When to Get Legal Advice

SENDIAS services (free, statutory) provide impartial advice in every local authority. For exclusion appeals, IPSEA and Coram Children's Legal Centre offer free advice. SEND tribunal appeals are best supported by an independent expert at the contested-evidence stage.