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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

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Original poster

This is a bit like hard work isn't it ?

21 replies

Stillwishihadabs · 09/03/2015 18:53

Just wanting some sympathy really from some folk in a similar position. So long story short ds missed out on his 1st choice (kent superselective) by less than 1% of his 11+ score. We also put down a comprehensive school which we felt would be a good match for him and which he has lots of friends going to. Missed out on that by 200 :(.

We have been allocated a school that was not on our list (unsatisfactory in special measures and I feel totally unsuitable for him).

So far we have filled in waiting list forms for both nice comp and superselective. Today he sat a scolarship exam for the local prep, which he really didn't like the look of when he was there and on Friday we are going to see failing comp.

I feel this is taking over our lives at the moment and we have so much left to do : Lodge apeals for both schools, continue the search for an acceptable plan B.

I feel I have been living on my nerves since this time last week and there just seems no end in sight......

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Original poster

Stillwishihadabs · 09/03/2015 18:54

Sorry end of first paragraph should read 200.

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Original poster

Stillwishihadabs · 09/03/2015 18:54

Crap 200m bloody phone

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LoofahVanDross · 09/03/2015 18:55

Have you any other preps in your area that you could go and look at?

Original poster

Stillwishihadabs · 09/03/2015 18:56

Yes Loofah the options are not exhausted I just feel like it's never ending.

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LoofahVanDross · 09/03/2015 18:59

It is a hideous time and hopefully you will get one of your schools on the waiting list. Just thought maybe if you looked at all the other preps and did the scholarships you would have a back up plan should the state schools not work out.

Do you have the opportunity for the 13 plus if you did prep for 2 years?

LIZS · 09/03/2015 18:59

If you took up a prep place what would the plan be for 13+, Cranbrook?

TheReluctantCountess · 09/03/2015 19:00

A school,can change very quickly, so the failing school could soon become a decent one, once new management to are in.

slicedfinger · 09/03/2015 19:02

Have you gone on the waiting list for the 200m school? There may well be movement over the summer. Good luck either way.

Original poster

Stillwishihadabs · 09/03/2015 19:05

I really don't know. Background is that I was state educated and dh went to prep then public school. It wasn't really a route I wanted to go down, but I don't want him to get his head kicked in for being "brainy" or "posh". The school we have been allocated has major discipline problems in years and 8.

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Original poster

Stillwishihadabs · 09/03/2015 19:09

Yes waiting lists and appeals for both schools. We haven't ruled out the allocated school either that's why we are going to see it on Friday. As I said there just seems to be so much to do.

I guess we have been very lucky thus far they both go to a good with outstanding features primary which was our first choice and where we have had no problems. So I am not used to this at all.

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Spatial · 09/03/2015 21:39

Depending on the Kent SS you are on the waiting list for, it sounds like you have a good chance of him getting in. This year as you probably know the scores are a lot less bunched, less children on each score, and for that reason, the allocations at second round are expected to drop more than in previous years.

So if he missed out by 3 points, on other forums they are anticipating drops of up to 6-8 points before final cutoff. All is not lost. Hang on in there.

Callooh · 09/03/2015 21:49

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Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

MillyMollyMama · 10/03/2015 00:24

Working hard has very little to do with it if the school is failing due to poor teaching, poor lesson planning and poor progress being made by the pupils. I would drill down a lot further into why the school is failing. I wouldn't be very keen either if the leadership is also failing. However if it is a "once off" and they have never been in this position before and now have decent leadership to bring about a quick and lasting turn-around, I would take a look. If not, can you just not pay for a prep for 2 years? Why does he have to sit more exams for a scholarship?

Original poster

Stillwishihadabs · 10/03/2015 06:19

We thought the scolarship day was a good way for him to see the school, also that he might get it seeing as how he did well in the 11+.

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tiggytape · 10/03/2015 08:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

caringdad66 · 10/03/2015 08:24

If your son wants to learn,and is supported at home,he will do well at 99% of schools,public or private.
A private school will turn a GCSE A grade into an A star,but in the grand scheme of things,how important is this?

PastSellByDate · 10/03/2015 16:10

Stillwish:

Having missed the selective school by 1% there really is a chance he'll get in to it at some point over the next few months. I'm not certain if this is a state grammar school (i.e. like Kent or Birmingham) or an independent school. But either way the chances are that a few students will opt to go elsewhere, even if the school offered places over the PAN.

My advice - as you're seeking advice on this point - is to get onto the 11+ forum for your area (www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/11plus/index.php) and seek some specifically local advice about your son's chances of getting in.

Personally - several friends of DD1 who scored slightly higher had all sorts of movement between March and September. Two moved from second choice grammar to first choice grammar and one destined for same comprehensive as DD1 made it to second choice grammar. A new friend from her state comprehensive has just moved to the grammar school in January - having been on the waiting list for months as well. We're in Birmingham and things may be different where you are - but don't give up hope. Just ensure that your DS remains on waiting lists to keep your options open.

HTH

Hakluyt · 10/03/2015 17:05

" but I don't want him to get his head kicked in for being "brainy" or "posh"."

Mine doesn't. Don't assume he will.

Hakluyt · 10/03/2015 17:24

Really sorry- that came out much snippier than I intended. I just don't like the assumption that clever children will automatically be bullied in an ordinary school. Happy to talk about my clever, posh ds's experience in a Kent high school if it will help at all.

Original poster

Stillwishihadabs · 10/03/2015 17:28

Hakluyt please read the thread. I have no problem with him at an ordinary school. This school is in special measures, with disciplinary problems. I hope that this is not typical.

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woodlands01 · 10/03/2015 22:44

While I would love to agree with a child succeeding at at 99% of schools with a willingness to learn and parental support I can not. Many 'requires improvement' or 'special measures' school are in these categories due to a long history of issues which (without drastic measures) can take years to change. Children at these school absolutely underachieve - not all children but the large majority. I completely understand parents wanting a 'good' school. The secondary school application process can take over your life - a child at a school with issues can cause major stress for 5 years! Be grateful you can afford private and go for it as a plan B while pursuing appeals, they can be successful. Good Luck.

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