DD didn't get the qualifying score but did better at HBS exam

[SRKMC]

Hello all a bit stuck my DD didn't get the right marks to get through the grammar schools but is achieving greater depth at school in maths and English. Is it worth to put on the CAF and then lodge an appeal? We have evidence of her not being well on that day and head teachers letter she also did better scoring 220 at HBS exam although didn't get through but is it worth it and will it help her secure a place before September 2027? She has independent exams coming up and this has been stressful. Any tips guidance will be great and also does anyone know how London Consortium school cut off marks are for each school, what marks are needed for each school? Same as Highgate, St Paul's, NLCS, Habs and STAGS and Queenswood and St Edmunds, these are all the ones she chose as she likes them. Any advise, guidance will be so appreciated. Just so I'm mentally prepared if she doesn't make it through.

There's nothing to stop you naming the school as a preference and appealing when inevitably turned down, but tbh if nothing else, your appeal will likely get stuck at the statement We have evidence of her not being well on that day, especially if, like many / most selective schools, HBS tells parents that by allowing their DC to sit the exam on the day, they are stating that they are 'fit and well'.
Eta the FAQs do address this issue
https://henrietta-barnett.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29122129/Admission-FAQs-2026.pdf

If she wasn’t well there would have been a process for you to follow at the time of the exam sitting, not after the event. HT appeals are normally resolved before results are released. All those passing are likely to be relatively high achievers so not sure your argument will stand up to scrutiny at appeal on its own.

@SRKMC do you mean your DD got those scores for round 1? The cut off was around 346 I believe. You could try but I didnt find HB that responsive generally for any of my questions. I just think they have such a high volume of applicants that they dont need to be flexible/understanding.

NLCS and SPGS are some of the top girls schools in the country, then the others which are much more doable. I would have thought Habs and Queenswood are a bit easier to get into these days as have a big intake. I dont think that they discuss pass marks though, and put a lot of focus on the whole process including the interview.

Id just draw a line under HB and focus on the indies. You can only try your best and hope your DD gets into the right school for her.