Guidance

School land: resolving disputes

The schools adjudicator resolves disputes about the ownership of non-playing field land on the sites of maintained schools.

From:
Office of the Schools Adjudicator
Published
16 August 2022

Applies to England

When the adjudicator can accept a referral

The adjudicator can make decisions on who owns non-playing field land on the sites of:

  • community schools
  • voluntary schools
  • foundation schools

The adjudicator can accept a referral in certain circumstances, for example where a:

  • school or local authority proposes to dispose of school land not designated as a playing field
  • school is no longer using a piece of land which the local authority wishes to use
  • local authority wishes to dispose of land belonging to a voluntary aided school

Local authorities and governing bodies must seek their own legal advice first before making a referral to the adjudicator for a decision on land issues.

Making a referral about school land

To make a referral about a school land issue email: osa.team@schoolsadjudicator.gov.uk.

Updates to this page

Published 16 August 2022

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