Over subscribed faith Grammar appeal

[user1488722687]

Hey, long time user/lurker for some reason can't change my rubbish user name.
Ok my DD sat entrance exam for all girls catholic school. Passed test however wasn't offered a place as we aren't at a feeder school. Because more applicants than places in this category they ranked applicants on score. Unfortunate that she misses out. DD has asked we appeal, grounds are we applied for a number of feeder schools three years ago and all over subscribed. So if we had of had a place at a feeder school there wouldn't be need for appeal. School offers a language that isn't offered at any other local schools and DD wants to be linguist. This school is known for supporting my DD sport, which unfortunately school does need to support due to training and occasional time off for test etc. Which this school fully supports, even has about pupils that are involved in this sport on their website congratulating them. Also due to family circumstances at the time of exam I feel DD didn't perform to her fullest potential so if she had if she would be higher in ranking. Full HT support letter and letter from Fr at church to detail our attendance. After checking with LA they do take between 8/13 each year over their PAN. What do you guys think? I know you can never predict. Is there anything I can do to help.

Thank you, I am also giving a social/emotion reason. DD has been recent victim of bullying. The area she is going her next school she will always be going on her own from her school. This fits in with location for sport training, however she knows other girls at this school and I feel this will help her settle better and the school are know for excellent pastoral support. This is detailed in their prospectus and on website.

I've also found a few other pints to add. Opportunities that she wouldn't get at another school such as daily worship and international education programmes. Does this sound about right to add, I have evidence of this in the schools prospectus and can highlight this. The husband is worried about making too many points. What's your opinion?

You may be challenged on the bullying point. It would be useful if you have some evidence to show that your daughter has been bullied such as copies of emails or letters you have sent to/received from her current school about it.

All schools are required by law to have a daily act of worship. I know that some schools don't meet this requirement but I would be careful about using that at appeal - or, indeed, anything about faith. Talking about the ethos of the school is much safer.

The international education programmes may be something you can use if you can show they are particularly relevant to your daughter. If it is just an additional opportunity she might not get elsewhere I would leave that out. Clearly some children aren't going to get this opportunity so for the panel to see this as reason for admitting her there has to be some reason why she needs this opportunity more than other children of her age.

There is a risk that making too many points can obscure your best points and leave the panel confused as to your case. Concentrate on your strongest arguments.