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Original poster

Appealing being in the bottom class

80 replies

Stressmess · 27/08/2023 14:06

My DD is due to start secondary School shortly. She has dyslexia. The School she has got in to takes in to account scores from their primary School and then does their own test what she wasn't allowed extra time or assistance with. They then group them from class 1 to class 10. 10 classes which all get the same work then this bottom class. It seems all the ones going from her primary school have all ended up in higher classes. I don't know what this is going to do to her confidence and self esteem when she finds this out.

The 10 classes all do the same work and are eligible for mainstream GSCEs. While this bottom class will be doing differentiated work and will not be eligible for mainstream GCSEs. It just feels like she has been written off before she has even started. Although she has dyslexia, she is keen and a good worker. This will effect her whole life, if she doesn't get proper GCSEs, she isn't going to get in to a good job.

We are meeting with the SENCO shortly. Has anyone been in this situation? Can we appeal this or do we just have to go with the schools decision? I would be very happy for her to move one class to the lower average and work hard to prove herself.

OP posts:
CurlewKate · 27/08/2023 14:21

What were her SATs scores?

WoolyMammoth55 · 27/08/2023 14:19

Hi OP, I'm no expert but didn't want to read and run.

What you're describing - a set up by which your child has been selected to not take mainstream GCSEs without even starting secondary school - sounds extremely unusual and not acceptable.

I think you should arrange a meeting with SENCO and any other senior teachers, firstly to confirm that your understanding is correct, and if so then either appeal the decision or request that she's assessed again after school starts with the extra time her dyslexia should warrant.

Wish you all the best!

Viviennemary · 27/08/2023 14:16

I agree there will be movement up and down but check with the school. If you can afford it get a private tutor. It's unlikely the school would decide at this stage who can and can't taken GCSE's but I can see why you're worried.

ValentinaTheVampire · 27/08/2023 14:14

I doubt very much that a school at the start of Year 7, without even meeting a child, has decided that they are not going to be eligible to take GCSEs.

This^^

There is no way any normal school would make this decision without ever having had the child in their class. No way.

redskytonights · 27/08/2023 14:12

I would ask the school what the rationale is for putting her in this bottom class. It may well be something like there is the ability to provide more individual support - which is surely a good thing?

I doubt very much that a school at the start of Year 7, without even meeting a child, has decided that they are not going to be eligible to take GCSEs. There will most likely be some movement in and out.

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