School refusing to give grade predictions

[shockthemonkey]

It's a French school -- I have dealt with many schools not used to the idea of predictions, but up until now all have managed to understand and engage (I am a UCAS adviser and UCAS centre, they send predictions and reference to me).

This school has point blank refused. The tone of their replies bristle with hostility towards the student (whose chief sin is her average academic performance). They have said things like "she's only getting x/20 in her reports, we refuse to make a prediction for her Bac".

I have explained that predictions are not gifts you bestow upon your favourite students, and that since predictions are essential for UCAS, withholding them is denying students access to UK universities. I have said if she's getting x/20 in her report, then why not give her that prediction (plus an adjustment for the usual delta between reports and Bac results - she's in a school that marks very harshly in their reports then gets great Bac results). They seem unmoved.

It's occurred to me that I have little idea where the student stands legally. The national students' union can't help. Were she applying in France, then the school would be obliged to supply her with everything she needed.

I don't know if anyone has any ideas for me? She seems a good fit for a middle-ranking UK university, yet her UCAS application is doomed unless I can persuade her school to give her predictions.

PS in case you're curious, her reference is not great either but it might just scrape her through...

[BubblesBuddy]

Apply after she has the grades? What a difficult situation! I assume it’s a private school. What do her parents think? They are paying for this shambles presumably!

[shockthemonkey]

Yes a private school. I have advised she take a lovely gap year and apply with achieved grades, but the parents are not keen. Not keen but have not ruled it out. They have asked me to plough on for this year despite very little prospect of getting a place.

They are really frustrated with the school, yes. They say the teachers who won't give predictions are bitter spinsters who have no empathy. I couldn't comment of course, but can't figure out their obvious dislike for this seemingly harmless student. She is getting couselling which they are aware of.

Sigh

[SirTobyBelch]

Predictions are not essential for UCAS. She should contact the universities she wants to apply to and ask how they would deal with her application if it doesn't include predicted grades for her French/European/International Baccalaureate. (Which is she doing? If it's IB it might be a bit more difficult, as most applicants taking this will have predictions.) If they say they would automatically reject it she shouldn't bother applying to them. Most universities are sufficiently in need of student numbers to be willing to be a bit flexible for applicants outside the UK A-level/Highers/Advanced Highers/IB/Pre-U and Irish Leaving Certificate systems. They'll still need some kind of evidence (e.g. school reports) but many will probably be willing to consider her. However, they might take more notice of the reference if she doesn't have predictions.

[JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff]

I am a university head of dept.

Contact the relevant admissions tutors and explain. There is bound to be a way round.

If not, she can apply through clearing once she has her marks.

[shockthemonkey]

Thank you very much! Will get her to make some calls. Am a bit more hopeful now