Admission Appeals Policy and Procedures

Admissions Appeals Policy and Procedures
  Version Number  IBS/AAPP/2026Apr/V001
  
  Member of Staff Responsible  Ibrahim Sirkeci
  Record of Revisions to Policy
  Date  Details  Approved by
Apr 2026PublishedBoard of Directors
Apr 2026ReviewedBoard of Directors
   
  Date of Current Policy  April 2026
  
  Next Review Date  April 2027
  Review to be approved by  Board of Directors

Admission Appeals Policy and Procedures  

1. Policy Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a transparent, fair, and structured process through which applicants may request a review of an admissions decision made by International Business School (IBS).

IBS recognises that, notwithstanding the institution’s commitment to inclusive, fair, and transparent admissions practices, applicants may believe that an admissions decision has not been reached correctly. This policy therefore ensures that applicants have access to a clear mechanism for redress, consistent with the principles of procedural fairness and the regulatory expectations of the Office for Students (OfS).

All applicants are made aware of the existence of this Admissions Appeals Policy and Procedure and how to access it.

2. Scope

This policy applies to prospective students who have received a formal admissions decision from IBS and wish to request a review of that decision.

An admissions appeal is defined as a formal request for a review of the admissions decision on procedural grounds only.

Admissions appeals must be submitted within 14 calendar days of the date the admissions decision was communicated to the applicant.

This policy does not apply to:

  • Academic appeals (as the applicant is not yet a registered student)
  • Complaints about service quality (covered by the IBS Complaints Policy)
  • Decisions made by awarding bodies

3. Grounds for Appeal

An admissions appeal will be considered only where there is evidence that one or more of the following applies:

  • The admissions decision was reached in error due to:
    • Failure to follow published admissions procedures
    • Failure to consider relevant information or documentation submitted with the application
  • The admissions decision is inconsistent with the published entry criteria for the programme
  • New and relevant information has become available which:
    • Was not available at the time of the original decision; and
    • Could reasonably have affected the outcome

4. Grounds on Which an Appeal Will Not Be Considered

An admissions appeal will not be considered where:

  • The appeal is submitted in bad faith or is vexatious
  • The applicant disagrees with the academic judgement of suitability for the programme
  • The matter is subject to legal proceedings (sub judice)
  • The appeal is submitted outside the permitted timeframe
  • The appeal is made anonymously or by a third party

5. Key Principles

IBS manages all admissions appeals in accordance with the following principles:

  • Treating all appellants with dignity, respect, and fairness
  • Ensuring no applicant is disadvantaged or discriminated against in future admissions processes
  • Adherence to procedural fairness, impartiality, and transparency
  • Timely handling of appeals, with clear communication at each stage
  • Maintenance of appropriate confidentiality, consistent with data protection legislation
  • Clear accountability, with named staff responsible for handling appeals
  • Consistent application of published procedures and institutional values

6. Admissions Appeals Procedure

IBS operates a two‑stage admissions appeals process, designed to resolve matters efficiently and fairly.

Stage 1: Informal Review

  • The applicant should first contact the Admissions Officer to discuss the grounds for appeal
  • This stage allows clarification, explanation, or correction of factual or procedural issues
  • The Admissions Officer will respond within a reasonable timeframe

Stage 2: Formal Appeal

If the applicant remains dissatisfied following the informal review:

  • A formal appeal may be submitted within 7 calendar days of receiving the outcome of Stage 1
  • The appeal must be submitted using the IBS Admissions Appeals Form

7. Requirements for a Formal Appeal

A formal admissions appeal must include:

  • A fully completed Admissions Appeals Form
  • The applicant’s full name and contact details
  • Date of the original application
  • Date the admissions decision was communicated
  • A clear statement of the grounds for appeal
  • Supporting evidence, where applicable
  • The outcome sought by the applicant

Incomplete appeals or appeals submitted outside the permitted timescale may be rejected.

8. Admissions Appeals Panel

Formal appeals are considered by the Admissions Appeals Panel, which comprises:

  • The Dean
  • The relevant Programme Leader

Panel members must not have been involved in the original admissions decision.

9. Consideration and Outcome

  • Receipt of the formal appeal will be acknowledged within five working days
  • The Panel will normally reach and communicate a decision within 15 working days of receipt

Where a case is deemed complex, IBS will:

  • Inform the applicant in writing
  • Provide a revised timescale for completion

The Panel will consider all evidence objectively and communicate the outcome in writing, including reasons for the decision.

10. Finality of the Process

The decision of the Admissions Appeals Panel is final.

As applicants are not registered students at the point of admission, admissions appeals do not fall within the jurisdiction of the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA).

11. Confidentiality and Data Protection

All information relating to admissions appeals is handled in accordance with:

  • Data protection legislation
  • IBS Data Protection Policy

Information is shared only where necessary and applicants are informed if disclosure to third parties is required.

12. Monitoring and Review

IBS monitors admissions appeals to:

  • Ensure fairness and consistency
  • Identify procedural improvements
  • Support regulatory compliance

This policy is reviewed annually and may be amended as required.

Further Information

Any queries regarding this policy should be directed to: admin@theibs.uk

APPEAL FORM

Student Details
Name 
Student ID No 
Programme 
Year 
Name of Tutor 
Mobile No 
Email 
Address 
  
REASON  
Please write in detail your reason for appeal against the admission outcome or complaint against any issues (use separate sheet if necessary).

   Student’s Signature: ______________________Date: ___________________     

For Office Use Only

Date Received: _____________________________            Received by:__________________________

Action Taken:_______________________________________________________________________

Referred to DOS: Yes / No                                                      Date: _______________________________

Date replied to the student _________________________________

Programme Leader’s Signature_______________________________