Moving Schools in 4th yr

[IHaveBrilloHair]

Long story short.
I'm not at all happy with the teaching or support in Dd's school, she didn't get great results in her prelims, but I thought it was workable, now I'm not so sure.
We only have one school in our town, other than the Independent so no movement here, but possible maybe to move house for a better school.
Should I even consider it?
(There's an almighty backstory but this would be the main thing)

[WankersHacksandThieves]

I don't think a lot staying on is really an issue - take my elder DSs year for example.

There are 6 classes and I think there were about 160 pupils in s4 - I think about 5 or 6 people left before S5 leaving around 155. Still too many to drop down to 5 classes so it leaves spaces in some classes. I know in 5th year it's maybe not as simple as that as it will depend on how many pupils take each subject and they won't create an extra class for say Chemistry or similar practical subject if the class is already at capacity, but things like history and english etc aren't as limited in terms of the number of pupils per class.

So, it might come down to which subjects she wants to take and how able she is to be flexible.

It would be easy to appeal a rejection on the basis that there is class capacity in the subjects she wants to do albeit that you are applying not only out of catchment, but to a different council.

Anyway, that's all by the by, they may just accept your request with no issue at all and there is a decent chance that will be the case I would say.

[prettybird]

I agree with Wankers - the few people that leave are to your benefit. It's the subject choices where numbers might be an issue - but you've put in your placing request early enough for them to staff for the numbers per class as they'll be making their choices now.

[IHaveBrilloHair]

I meant a high proportion staying on was a good thing in terms of the school, as in it must be great if pupils were staying!
Sorry if that wasn't clear.

[WankersHacksandThieves]

No brillo I got that, but also felt that you were fearful that it would make her chances of getting in harder, I don't think it will though the perception that it might is no bad thing as it may put off any competition from others who might have otherwise applied :)

Did someone say that the deadline for you to be told was end March? It would be good if a positive outcome could happen before exam time as it might give an extra boost of motivation.

[prettybird]

I don't think that there is a "deadline" per se for in-year placing requests (which is effectively what this is, as you'd want her to start the S5 timetable with the others while they are still technically in S4). The published deadline for placing requests is more to do with the initial placing request for entry into S1.

You may find out much sooner.

[WankersHacksandThieves]

That would be good, so maybe she would even sit her exams in the new school if she was allocated a space? Or maybe start in the new school at the end of exam leave so have a few weeks before the holidays rather than starting in August?

[prettybird]

I doubt she would be able to sit her exams at the new school - but given that most schools start their new timetable after study leave/the exams (varies between schools), then it would make eminent sense to start then - both to get started on the Higher curriculum and to make new friends/settle in before the summer holidays.

[IHaveBrilloHair]

I'd want her to start straight after exams, so beginning of June to get settled before the summer holidays

[TinfoilHattie]

Have you heard anything back yet, Brillo??

[IHaveBrilloHair]

Thanks for asking.
We haven't heard yet, but I called earlier in the week and they have to let us know within 8 weeks of application, which is 3 weeks today.
If she doesn't get in I can appeal, or put in another request for S5, which I will fdo.
I think I said on here that she'd failed her maths prelim, getting 26%, but has passed the last two tests, one with grade A, one with B. Her maths tutor clapped with excitement!
One thing I didn't realise, which now seems obvious is that if we get the place she has to start immediately, they cant hold it until June, but that's fine, most courses are pretty much finished and she's happy to sit the exams in a new school.

[IHaveBrilloHair]

It's been turned down on the basis of "continuity of education".
I'm not happy and will be making calls as soon as the schools go back.

[TinfoilHattie]

That's crap. No idea what the appeals system is, use from now until Tuesday to do as much finding out as you can.

[prettybird]

I suspect/hope it is simply to do with what we talked about early on in this thread: that she would/should sit her exams at her current school and then transfer to a new school after the exam study leave.

Hopefully you'll be able to either get it sorted on appeal or submit a new application and get it accepted.

[WankersHacksandThieves]

So, essentially they are saying that they know best what is appropriate for your child? Without asking the child or you?

That's a bunch of shite. They shouldn't be turning you down for any other reason than they don't have room in the school to accommodate your request without employing extra staff, or your child's education needs are so specific that they can't be met in the school requested. Surely not granting the request would disrupt her education more as she is so unhappy?

[IHaveBrilloHair]

Exactly, I'm confused by it.
All that's really left of S4 is revision and exams, she can do those anywhere.

I have spoken to both of her tutors and both are happy to support our case for her moving which is good.

[IHaveBrilloHair]

For anyone interested, this is still on going, we need SW to support the move and they haven't so far.
I'm pushing them for reasons why in writing, as they haven't verbally given any good reason, but I'll know more later this week.
DD is ok, exams have started, she thinks she's done badly in maths, but well in chemistry, history tomorrow.

[WankersHacksandThieves]

I was thinking about you the other day brillo. Sad to see that you don't have a positive resolution yet. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for you.

[IHaveBrilloHair]

The appeal went in today, SW have finally said they will support the move, just more waiting now.
I'm more stressed than Dd is.

[WankersHacksandThieves]

I'd be stunned if they could reject again based on it not being in her best interests if both her parent and SW have said it is, and if they asked your DD she would also say it is.

[IHaveBrilloHair]

Yes, she wants to move, there'd have been no point in applying otherwise, DD only ever does what she wants!
In theory it should be cut and dried, but who knows.
If this is refused then I'll apply for S5.
I really can't see how they can turn it down this time though

[IHaveBrilloHair]

Appeal is on Tuesday.
Dd's just back from St Andrews summer school where she had a fantastic time, and is more sure than ever she wants to do her highers at Hyndland.

[C0RAL]

De lurking to wish you well for Tuesday.

And also to say there is LOTS of help for LAC applying for university.

They can get a bursary ( not loan ) from SAAS, 52 week accommodation if needed, adjusted entry grades, extra help for certain courses through the REACH programme. Most unis have a special mentor or co ordinator for LAC and there are other grants they can apply for.

I assume you know about Sutton trust summer schools - worth an application but very hard to get into.

[IHaveBrilloHair]

That's what she's just got back from, she did get information about adjusted grades and bursaries.

[Groovee]

Hope the appeal goes well x

[C0RAL]

Excellent.