What is the step-by-step process for making a complaint about a school?

The standard complaint journey in England moves from the class teacher to the headteacher, then to the governors or academy trust. If the issue remains unresolved, it can be escalated to the Secretary of State for academies or the local authority’s complaints office for maintained schools. Specific legal routes, such as the SEND Tribunal or admission appeal panels, may also apply.

Who should I contact first if I have a problem with my child's school?

You should initially speak to the class teacher, form tutor, or SENCO to raise the issue informally. If this does not resolve the matter, you can submit a written formal complaint to the headteacher, setting out the specific issue and the remedy you are seeking. Most schools have a published complaints policy that outlines this procedure.

How long does it usually take to resolve a school complaint?

The process can take between one and six months. This timeframe covers the various stages, including informal discussions, formal written complaints to the headteacher, reviews by the governing body or academy trust, and any onward referrals to the Secretary of State or local authority complaints office.

What happens if the school governors or academy trust do not resolve my complaint?

If the school is an academy, unresolved complaints can be referred to the Secretary of State. For local authority-maintained schools, you should contact the local authority’s complaints office. Additionally, specific issues like EHCPs or admission decisions have dedicated routes, such as the SEND Tribunal or admission appeal panels.

What types of issues can be raised in a school complaint?

Parents and pupils can make complaints regarding a school's conduct, safeguarding practices, discipline, or admissions decisions. Specific legal avenues exist for disability discrimination claims under the Equality Act 2010, as well as for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) issues through the SEND Tribunal.

All Legal Journeys

Education Law

England only

5 stages

1–6 months

Reviewed 2026-05-22

School complaint journey

From class teacher → headteacher → governors → academy trust / LA → Secretary of State.

This page applies in England only — different rules may apply in Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.

Who Uses This Journey

Parents and pupils with complaints about a school's conduct, safeguarding, discipline, or admissions.

Stage-by-Stage Timeline

Informal raise with the school

Speak to the class teacher / form tutor / SENCO first.

Formal complaint to headteacher

Written complaint setting out the issue and remedy sought. Most schools have a published complaints policy.

Escalate to governors / academy trust

If unresolved, request formal review by governing body or academy trust.

Secretary of State / EFA

Onward referral for academies; for LA-maintained schools, contact the LA's complaints office.

Court / tribunal route

Specific routes: SEND Tribunal for EHCP issues; admission appeal panel for admission decisions; disability discrimination claims under the Equality Act 2010.

Official Sources

Complain about a school

Frequently asked questions

What is the step-by-step process for making a complaint about a school?: The standard complaint journey in England moves from the class teacher to the headteacher, then to the governors or academy trust. If the issue remains unresolved, it can be escalated to the Secretary of State for academies or the local authority’s complaints office for maintained schools. Specific legal routes, such as the SEND Tribunal or admission appeal panels, may also apply.
Who should I contact first if I have a problem with my child's school?: You should initially speak to the class teacher, form tutor, or SENCO to raise the issue informally. If this does not resolve the matter, you can submit a written formal complaint to the headteacher, setting out the specific issue and the remedy you are seeking. Most schools have a published complaints policy that outlines this procedure.
How long does it usually take to resolve a school complaint?: The process can take between one and six months. This timeframe covers the various stages, including informal discussions, formal written complaints to the headteacher, reviews by the governing body or academy trust, and any onward referrals to the Secretary of State or local authority complaints office.
What happens if the school governors or academy trust do not resolve my complaint?: If the school is an academy, unresolved complaints can be referred to the Secretary of State. For local authority-maintained schools, you should contact the local authority’s complaints office. Additionally, specific issues like EHCPs or admission decisions have dedicated routes, such as the SEND Tribunal or admission appeal panels.
What types of issues can be raised in a school complaint?: Parents and pupils can make complaints regarding a school's conduct, safeguarding practices, discipline, or admissions decisions. Specific legal avenues exist for disability discrimination claims under the Equality Act 2010, as well as for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) issues through the SEND Tribunal.