Examples of
our advice:

Child A was 8 when he was accused of stealing food from his boarding school kitchen. We asked the school why the boy was so hungry and whether other boys were also taking food on night-time raids.

Child B was bullied at her prep school, where Mum worked part-time and was reluctant to complain. We advised on alternatives for the girl’s education and she has now settled in happily at her local state primary school.

Child C was accused of sexually assaulting another boy. We advised the accused child’s parents on how best to protect their son and safeguard his ongoing education.

Child D hated her independent sixth form and left after only three days. The bursar demanded two whole terms’ fees. We advised the parents on whether it was best to fight the school or to ‘pay up and move on.

Child E was falling behind, because her primary school teacher could not cope. What rights do parents have when the state school lets them down like that? We helped the parents to a better education.

How to Complain about Your Child's School

If you are fed up with your child's school and you want to complain, this is how to do it:

    1. Talk to your child's Class Teacher or Head of Year. They should be able to sort it out for you.

    2. Get a copy of the school's Complaints Policy. The school should always use it and the staff there will usually try to help you.

    3. Go and see the Head Teacher. Make an appointment, if necessary. You will usually find that the Head is a kind and helpful cove, willing to listen and always wanting to make your school a better place.

    4. Write a letter to the Chair of the School Governors. Mark your letter COMPLAINT. Tell them your story and say what you want them to do about it. Very often, your complaint will be heard by a small group of School Governors.

    5. If you are still not getting anywhere, the next stage is different at state schools and at independent schools: At a state school, you can try writing to the Director of Children's Services at the Local Authority, especially if the service you are complaining about was provided by them.

    6. The next level of complaint at state schools is new. The Local Ombudsman will from April 2010 take complaints, in four 'pilot' LEA areas, about many aspects of state school management. You will have to use the local complaints system first, but the Ombudsman will (in the 'pilot' areas) certainly be worth a 'pop' afterwards.

    7. In the unchanged (non-pilot) areas, you can complain to the DCSF about a state school. Again, you have to use the local complaints system first. If you do complain to the DCSF, the Department will often refer the case to Ofsted for investigation and report. local complaints system first, but the Ombudsman is certainly worth a 'pop' afterwards.

    8. See a solicitor. Find one who is a specialist in Education Law!

    NB. If your complaint is about a school admission or a school exclusion, you probably need to 'appeal', rather than 'complain'. It's a different process.




If your child is in a community school or or a faith school, in an Academy or a state boarding school, or being ‘educated otherwise’ at home, we can advise you on every aspect of your child’s school life:

  • school admissions and admission appeals
  • moving to a new school
  • exclusion (expulsion from school)
  • problems with teachers
  • assaults
  • accidents
  • detention
  • curriculum
  • special needs
  • disputes over the quality of education

If it affects your child’s schooling, we can assist .