When a child does not qualify or is not offered a place, the admissions appeal process is the formal route to challenge the decision. Appeals are available in all selective areas.
The short answer
The first thing to know: appeals success rates are low. National data suggests that fewer than 20 percent of 11+ appeals succeed, and the rate is lower at the most popular schools.
The longer answer
Appeals are decided by an independent panel that considers (a) whether the school's admissions policy was correctly applied and (b) whether the child's circumstances justify an exception.
A successful appeal usually requires evidence of either administrative error in the test or significant mitigating circumstances (illness on the test day, recent bereavement, etc.).
What experienced parents do
A weak appeal — "my child is just very able" — almost never succeeds. Schools and panels see hundreds of these each year; without specific evidence, the appeal is rejected.
What to avoid
If you are appealing: get the appeal in writing, attach all supporting evidence (school reports, medical letters), and consider professional appeals advice. The process is administrative-heavy and the time pressure is real.
Practical next step
Have a Plan B in place before appealing. Many appeals fail; the family that has already accepted a comprehensive place and is appealing as an upside is in a much healthier position than the family with no other option. A small, deliberate action this week is worth more than a grand plan for the year ahead.