Is there any point appealing a private school sixth form refusal?

[Nivvers2001]

DS is currently in year 11 at a fairly academic school and is predicted 7,8s and 9s. He should meet the academic requirements for sixth form entry, however, the head of sixth form told us in February that they will not be offering him a place due to his behaviour. The school is very strict and DS has racked up a number of behaviour points over lateness, uniform, having his phone on him and in one case missing detentions. I am not that worried about DS staying there as he has other sixth form offers and not convinced it's worth 10k a term to stay put, however, DS has lots of friends at school and is happy there so would at least like the option of staying. My question is whether there is any point in appealing the decision given that independent sixth forms can decide who and who they don't admit so it may be pointless even trying. Thoughts?

There isn't really anyone to appeal to, unless you feel you want to raise a complaint to the governors? Independent schools and sixth forms can be as selective as they want and refuse who they want. If they've made it clear that they aren't willing to offer a place then my advice would be to look elsewhere. Also by that age, he must be quite aware as to why they are refusing the place and perhaps needs to realise that the environment isn't for him as he's left it too late to turn things around.

Has his behaviour improved out of all recognition since February? That might be the only bargaining point you have. Otherwise, why on earth would they take him when presumably they can take an equally academic child who behaves well?

Wow, that’s a very bold stance for the school to take over such minor rule infringements.

My DD racks up similar behaviour points at her selective Indie and when I suggested to her school that they perhaps threaten her with no 6th form place they were aghast and not willing to do that just because she struggles to get there on time and consistently wears too much jewellery or the incorrect uniform.

I think in your situation I’d be asking for a meeting with the head as a first step.

They obviously don’t want him there because of his behaviour. And unless he changes his behaviour other schools will be the same.

Has his behaviour improved? If not there isn't much point in raising it.

Thanks, that's really helpful and relevant.

Actually, he got offers to all five sixth forms he applied to so you are wrong.

Yes, but he is still be late occasionally, forget his homework sometimes etc, because he's human not a robot.

Yes, I agree, seems very draconian but I think they can do as they want as it's an independent school, unless of course it's discriminatory.

I think there is an appeal process which may be to the head or directly to the governors now. The way the school works is that the student automatically continues into sixth form unless we give notice so arguably the decision not to let him stay is a permanent exclusion.

It seems odd in the current environment though.

DD’s school is a highly sought after London day school but even they are feeling the effects of VAT. They were heavily selling the 6th form to the current year 11’s this year. A real push to ensure everyone stays. But quite a few are leaving to go to state funded.

The thing is pupils get a lot more freedom in 6th form so given he’s obviously not very mature they don’t want him, their choice given they are a private business. Hopefully your DS will learn from this.

You're wrong I'm afraid. The sixth formers at his school don't get any more freedom, have to wear uniform, don't get to miss free periods etc. Stop speculating.

What lesson do you want him to learn? He is already being punished for minor behaviour issues which would never be an issue at a state school by losing his place. He has ADHD which makes those things harder. How mean of you. I hope you are absolutely perfect and punished anytime you make a mistake.

His behaviour must be much worse than you are saying on for them not to offer him
a place.

Ours is also a sought after London day school but still highly competitive!

Appeal if you want you wont lose anything. State schools do this as well. Its about their stats and is shameful.
However he may thrive in an alternative environment.

You can try asking them to reconsider, especially if his behaviour had improved more recently. There's no harm trying.

I'm surprised to hear it though as two private schools near is have closed recently due to falling numbers/decrease in fee income and two very long standing single sex private schools have gone co-ed on the last couple of years to try and increase appeal to potential new families. Is it a particularly prestigious school with a long waiting list?

You mention he has ADHD, is that formally diagnosed?

Once DD got her diagnosis, I was quite successful in getting a lot of DD’s sanctions quashed. Anything that related to disorganisation. So lateness, late homework, fidgeting, talking in class, chewing gum etc.

I pulled a list from the system of all her behaviour sanctions into excel and sorted them. Sent them to her head of year and said that she is being punished for things that related to her ADHD diagnosis.

You could try that? You may have grounds for discrimination?

Just move him OP. School clearly don’t want him, despite his good grades. Which is unusual. So they clearly think his failure to adhere to rules and expectations is an issue.

A levels are no walk in the park and personal study beyond taught work and homework is required. Perhaps they don’t think he will do it if he can’t manage to do all homework now.

I'm afraid that it wouldn't be classed as a permanent exclusion as it's a seperate education provision, so he finishes the school part at the end of year 11 and then moves to Year 12 and 13. My ds went to an independent with a 6th form (they even charged no fees if a young person had attended the school from junior age as they had separate but attached junior , secondary and 6th form) however, there was a clear agreement that entry could be refused. I'd check your contract with the school as to what is actually written about following on to the sixth form as you wouldn't be able to rely on expectations in this circumstance.
Independent schools don't have to abide by the same policies as state schools with regard to permanent exclusions either (a young person tends to be 'asked to leave'
It may be worth making an appointment to see the head if you haven't already had a discussion on their reasons.

As pp say there isn’t really a route of appeal for private schools.

Are you sure there isn’t more to his behaviour than what you’ve said? Have you spoken to school about exactly what’s happened for them to take this stance, as it does seem really surprising?

I understand it’s a competitive school and they will be able to fill the place. But schools would generally prefer a known pupil whose parent pays the bills and who is doing well academically - even if they do have a record of lateness and minor rule infringements - to a new unknown pupil who could turn out to be far worse. Also, too many leavers at 6th form doesn’t look great to prospective parents.

My suspicion would be that there has been more to his behaviour (eg he is being intentionally disruptive, using phone in class etc) to make them take this stance.

However - whether I’m right or not - I don’t think there is much you can do re appeal. I also wouldn’t want him to stay at a school that clearly doesn’t want him, when he has other options.

Actually, I agree with this. Thinking about it more, I wouldn’t want my DD to stay on at her 6th form if the school didn’t want her. I also wouldn’t want to give them another £60k!

If the sixth form is equally strict, then it really doesn't sound like the right environment for him. Not being there would be the opposite of a punishment!

Wouldn't he rather go somewhere else where it's a bit more flexible? I appreciate he doesn't want to leave his friends, but they would probably be on entirely different timetables anyway unless doing exactly the same subjects and, at 16, he can easily keep up the friendships out of school.

No I’m far from perfect however from your post, and I agree with Macaroni, it sounds as though you are minimising his behaviour.

I think you also need to remember OP that other parents paying £££ expect schools to deal with disruptive pupils. It sounds as if he’s too much of a risk.