Yesterday (Wednesday, March 1), was National Offer Day when all the secondary school places in England were allocated.

Tens of thousands of parents were left disappointed when their children didn't get their first choice school.

If you are one of these parents and you are unhappy with the decision about the place your child has been offered, you might want to appeal.

Find out below how you can appeal and what the process involves.

How do I appeal?

If your child has been refused a place at their first choice school the local authority is obliged to let you know in writing.

The letter should inform you how to appeal and where to find the relevant information to do so.

Alternatively you can find all the info on the local authority's website under the school admissions section.

The appeal form will be available to download online on the council's site.

Some schools will handle their own appeal process and if this is the case you will need to get in touch with them directly.

What is the form about?

You will need to explain the following:

  • Why you disagree with the the decision.
  • Why you child deserves a place at the school.
  • In your opinion why the authorities have not made the correct choice.

Is there a deadline for appeals?

In short, yes.

Depending on your local council each date may be different but usually it is some time at the end of March.

The date of the deadline should be clearly stated on the appeal form.

What happens next?

Once you have submitted your appeal the local council will examine your form and compare it with your original application.

In particular, they will look for exceptional circumstances - for example if you have moved house or any medical reasons that you may not have included before.

If you have moved house you might be asked to show evidence of this - usually it's a council tax bill or a utility bill.

If you have put a medical reason you will need to show medical records of this.

The council will also asses if any mistakes have been made with your original application.

Who will hear my appeal?

The form will then be passed on to the appeal panel. This will be made up of people who haven't played any part in the first school admission decision of your child.

The majority of hearings generally take place during May, June and July prior to the September admission.

You may be required to attend the appeal and it is advised that you do so.

You will receive written notice of the hearing date, time and place of in order for you to prepare your case. This is a legal requirement.

If you are unable to go they will asses the reasons you have given on the form.

The panel will then asses your case after the hearing. You might be told the decision on the day in person or you will be told in writing.

Can I accept another school place in the meantime?

You are entitled to appeal even if you accept a place at another school. This will not lesson your chances of winning the appeal of your first choice school.

What if my appeal is unsuccessful?

You can't appeal for the same school in the same academic year unless there has been a significant change in your circumstances, for example a change of address.

You will not be granted a second appeal because you forgot to present relevant evidence or because you wanted to stress different parts of your case.