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Administrative Court Forms UK: Which One You Need

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Part ofAdministrative Court UK

Written by Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)
Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice.
Updated June 2026 · England & Wales
The Administrative Court handles some of the most specialist work in the civil justice system, covering judicial review, statutory appeals, extradition cases and challenges involving public bodies. If you have been directed to file a particular form, or you are trying to work out which one fits your situation, the labels can feel impenetrable. Each form serves a narrow purpose, and using the wrong one can delay your matter or see it rejected at the counter. On this page I have pulled together a plain-English guide to the forms you are most likely to encounter, what each one is for, and the broader procedural context around them. This is general information rather than guidance on your own circumstances, so if you want to talk through what applies to your case, you can book a call with an experienced legal adviser at the end of the page.

What this document is

The Administrative Court is a specialist part of the King's Bench Division of the High Court. It sits mainly at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, with regional centres in Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds and Manchester. Its caseload is different from ordinary civil claims.

Instead of disputes between two private parties over money or property, the court typically reviews the lawfulness of decisions made by government departments, local authorities, regulators, tribunals and other public bodies. It also hears extradition appeals, certain statutory appeals, and claims against the Crown under specific legislation.

Because the work is specialised, the court uses its own suite of forms, many of which are prefixed 'AC' or relate to particular statutes such as the Extradition Act 2003. The correct form depends on what you are asking the court to do: start a claim, respond to one, appeal a decision, ask for a hearing to be moved, or file written argument. The Civil Procedure Rules, particularly Parts 52 and 54, set the framework for how these forms are used.

How to use this document

  1. Identify the right form for your situation. The Administrative Court uses different forms depending on whether you are starting a claim, appealing, responding, or making a procedural request. Read the court order, letter or rule that directs you to file something, and match it to the form code before you download anything.
  2. Check the relevant rules and practice directions. Most Administrative Court work is governed by Civil Procedure Rules Part 52 (appeals), Part 54 (judicial review) and their supporting practice directions. These set out what must accompany each form, including grounds, evidence bundles and fees. Reading the rule alongside the form helps you avoid obvious rejections.
  3. Complete the form carefully and attach required documents. Forms such as the Appellant's Notice or a claim form under Section 11 need supporting paperwork, including grounds of appeal, a skeleton argument where required, and any decision or order you are challenging. Missing attachments are one of the most common reasons filings are returned.
  4. Pay the correct court fee or apply for help with fees. Filing fees in the Administrative Court vary depending on the type of application. Check gov.uk for current amounts before you send anything in. If you cannot afford the fee, you may be eligible for fee remission through the Help with Fees scheme.
  5. File within the relevant time limit at the correct court office. Time limits in the Administrative Court are often short and strictly enforced, particularly for judicial review and extradition appeals. File at the appropriate court office, in London or at the regional centre that covers your case, and keep proof of submission.

Common questions

If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.

Common questions

Q What is Form AC001 used for?
Form AC001 is the request used to adjourn an Administrative Court hearing, meaning the hearing is moved to a later date either at the same venue or a different one. It should normally be completed, signed and lodged with the court well ahead of the listed hearing, together with the applicable fee. Check gov.uk for the current fee and the latest filing window before you send it.
Q When would I use Form AC010?
Form AC010 is a notice of appeal to the High Court used in a narrow set of national security cases, specifically where a non-derogating control order has been modified or renewed. This is a specialist area with its own procedural requirements. If you have been told to use this form, it is worth taking proper guidance before filing, because the issues and evidence involved tend to be complex.
Q What does Form AC011 cover?
Form AC011 is the claim form for seeking compensation from the Crown under Section 11 of the Crown Proceedings Act 1947. It is used in limited circumstances where legislation allows a claim against a government department or the Crown directly. The form must set out the basis of the claim clearly and should be supported by the facts and legal grounds relied on.
Q What is a skeleton argument and is Form AC014 mandatory?
A skeleton argument is a concise written summary of the points a party intends to argue at a hearing, with references to key documents and authorities. Form AC014 provides an outline structure to help parties prepare one for an appeal. Whether a skeleton is required, and when it must be filed, depends on the rules and any directions in your specific case.
Q Which form do I use to appeal an extradition decision?
Form EXN161 is the Appellant's Notice used to apply for permission to appeal under Sections 26, 28, 103, 105, 108 and 110 of the Extradition Act 2003. The respondent uses Form EXN162 to reply. Extradition appeals have very tight statutory deadlines, often measured in days rather than weeks, so acting quickly and getting the filing right first time matters a great deal.
Q What is Form EX244 for?
Form EX244 is an application notice used in proceedings under the Extradition Act 2003. It is the vehicle for making interim or procedural applications connected to a person's extradition case, rather than starting or appealing the main proceedings. The exact use depends on the stage of the case and what order is being sought from the court.
Q Where do I file Administrative Court forms?
Administrative Court forms are filed at the main office at the Royal Courts of Justice in London or at one of the regional centres in Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds or Manchester. The correct venue usually depends on where the claimant lives, where the defendant public body is based, or where the underlying events took place. The court guide on gov.uk sets out how venue is decided.
If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.

Sources

This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.

Brad Askew, Solicitor (non-practising)

Written & reviewed by

Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)

Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice. LegalDocuments.co.uk is not a law firm and does not provide regulated legal advice.

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Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is a tool to help you find your way — not legal advice, and not a substitute for speaking to a qualified adviser about your situation.