National Offer Day: Here's what to do if your child doesn't get into their first choice of secondary school

Year 6 pupils across the country have anxiously been awaiting to find out if they have been offered a place at their preferred school for the coming school year.

Known as 'National Offer Day', today marks a time of dread and joy for many, with parents and pupils either celebrating as they get the news that they have been accepted to one of their three preferred schools, or rapidly scrambling to find an alternative provision.

Get the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox with the Express & Star’s free newsletter

Whilst many parents, carers, and young learners received the news they were hoping for, there are those who didn't land a spot at the school they hoped for, and may be wondering what the next step is.

So, to help ease your worried minds, here are our suggestions on what to do if your child didn't get into the school they wanted this year.

Don't panic

First of all, and most importantly, don't panic. The best advice we can give is to stay positive for yourself and your child. 

Your child not getting into their first school may feel disheartening; however, it's not the end of the world, and it's not the end of your child's chances at a good education. 

Remain calm, take time to reassure your child and yourself, and give yourself ample time to assess the options ahead.

Accept the place you have been offered.

Even if you don't want to, make sure that you accept the place that you have been offered.

Accepting the offer ensures your child has a guaranteed spot for September, and does not affect your ability to join waiting lists or appeal for a preferred school.

It's best to accept the offer immediately so that you can pursue further options. 

Research your options

Make sure to research your options and take another look at the school that your child has been accepted to.

Just because it's not your preferred school doesn't mean the school isn't worth sticking with. 

Make sure you have the most up-to-date information about how the school is performing and whether the families are happy there. 

Make sure to check the Ofsted reports and parent social media groups so that you can make an informed decision.

Make an appeal

If you still want to progress with getting into your preferred school, then lodge an appeal. 

While often not successful, appeals give you a last chance to argue your point, and also give you a platform to flag mistakes that may be made.

Appeals can be lodged with the admission authority, with each authority website containing information on how to begin the appeal process.