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Original poster

Appealing predicted a level grades

32 replies

starrydreamer · 03/09/2018 16:14

Hi

Does anyone have any experience of appealing predicted A level grades?

DS has been predicted ABC.
He got all As and A* in his GCSEs. He was on the Oxbridge list at his state school.
He stated A levels at predicted A A A.

However in January he was assaulted on his way home from School. It has a massive effect on him and he slumped into depression. Things didn't seem to go his way all the rest of the year. Various other things.
The school were aware but the teacher who predicted him the C said it was lack of work ( true, he wasn't in the mood) but also the jump from GCSE to A level. Not sure about this.
He can only appeal the C to B and even that is doubtful as the subject (science) is notoriously difficult to persuade to raise the grade. The teacher that gave the C is now promoted to the position he would have to appeal the grade to. He has 2 weeks to appeal so no time to really show his abilities.
The summer break has helped and he's feeling more himself and wants to get back to the A grades he was used to

For all those reading who have DC you will know that these grades will make a big difference to the University he can apply to.

Any parents or teachers have any experience please?

OP posts:
TheThirdOfHerName · 03/09/2018 18:22

Given that applications don’t need to be submitted until January, why not ask if the teacher/s will review and make a final decision at half term?

This is good advice. If he can provide evidence between now and half-term that he is working at A grade level, they might be willing to adjust it.

bangourvillagebesttimeever · 03/09/2018 18:19

My DS had poor predicted grades and still got offers from all the RG universities he applied for. (Kings College, Manchester, Leeds, Warwick & Exeter) I am not sure about Oxbridge however they have their own entrance exam and interview process and as long as your sons personal statement reflects his recent issues I don't think his predicted grades will impact

errorofjudgement · 03/09/2018 18:18

Sorry to hear your DS was assaulted, the mental scars can take much longer than physical hurts. It’s good that he’s feeling more positive now after the summer break.

Given that applications don’t need to be submitted until January, why not ask if the teacher/s will review and make a final decision at half term? That gives your DS time to show how his work has improved. Given he was assaulted, I would expect the school to show some flexibility here. Also he can then stil get his application in early November and hopefully get some offers through before Christmas.

Cherryburn · 03/09/2018 18:16

Sorry to hear he’s had such a tough time. You’re right that his predicted grades will have a significant bearing on where it’s worth applying to. Adjustment would be one option but can have implications for accommodation, and is dependent on where has available spaces.

In the circumstances I’d be inclined to take a planned year out and apply after results with grades in hand. It also means that he can spend Y13 concentrating on getting his grades up rather than open days/the application process etc.

TeenTimesTwo · 03/09/2018 17:31

I'm not sure how this all works, but can he apply and then if the grades he gets are much better and nothing suitable in adjustment, then withdraw, reapply and take a year out?

Original poster
starrydreamer · 03/09/2018 16:36

Thanks rogue

We had thought about going through adjustment/ clearing and it may come to that but I think it would help if he could apply to a Uni we had visited. We've done quite a few open days.

There is a big difference in the courses depending on the grades

To the best of my knowledge the teachers get no sanctions if the predictions are wrong - that all f all's to our DC.

OP posts:
roguedad · 03/09/2018 16:24

I am sorry to hear your story OP. I do not have any confidence in predicted grades and might encourage my son to apply post A level on the basis of his actual achievement. You might consider that as a fall back possibility rather than give the school any chance to undermine university applications. You can meantime argue with the school of course but I do not know how that works.

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