Form N266 UK: Notice to Admit Facts Guide (2026)

What this document is

Form N266 is the official court form titled 'Notice to Admit Facts'. It is served by one party on another during civil litigation to request that specified facts, or parts of the case, be formally admitted. The form is governed by Part 32 of the Civil Procedure Rules, which sets out how evidence works in civil proceedings.

The idea behind it is simple: if both sides already agree on certain background facts, there is no point wasting court time proving them. The sender lists the facts they want accepted, and the receiving party indicates whether each one is admitted.

Any admission made under Form N266 only applies to that particular claim and cannot be carried across to separate proceedings. If the other side refuses to admit something that is later proved at trial, the court can take this into account when deciding who pays the costs of proving that point. This cost consequence is what gives the form real practical weight.

How to use this document

1. Identify the facts worth listing. Review the pleadings and evidence to pinpoint facts that are not genuinely in dispute or that the other side would struggle to deny. Focus on background matters such as dates, locations, contractual terms, or documents that exist. Avoid listing contested opinions or interpretations, since these will simply be denied and the exercise will add no value. 2. Draft the Notice clearly. Complete Form N266 with the court name, claim number, and the parties involved. Set out each fact as a short, numbered statement that can be answered with a straight yes or no. Ambiguous or compound statements invite refusal, so keep every item precise. Attach supporting documents only where this helps the other side understand what they are being asked to admit. 3. Serve the Notice on the other party. Send the completed form to the opposing party or their legal representative using an accepted method of service under the Civil Procedure Rules. Keep a dated copy and proof of delivery. Timing matters: serving the Notice early enough allows the recipient a fair window to respond before trial preparations intensify. 4. Wait for the response. The receiving party should review each listed fact and return the form indicating which facts are admitted and which are not. Admissions are binding within the claim, so the recipient will usually take legal input before signing. Silence or refusal to engage can later be raised with the court, particularly on costs. 5. Use the admissions at trial. Any admitted facts no longer need to be proved through witnesses or documents, which streamlines the hearing. If the other side refused to admit something that is later proved, you can ask the judge to order them to pay the costs of proving that fact, regardless of the overall outcome of the case.

Common questions