Appeal to Grammar Schools - question to Parents/Panel Experts

[DSParent03]

Hi there,

So we have now requested for an appeal and are preparing our appeals case. My partner and I have difference of opinion on the evidences to submit with our case.

My daughter has been participating in several science and maths international competitions for last few years and has received few certificates and awards. However these competitions were organised by an ofsted registered club, not associated with her school. This club teaches techniques in mental maths using abacus and experiments outside of the national curriculum.

Friends have advised against mentioning the club in the appeals case. A few other forums also advice on similar lines, that any reference to tutoring should be avoided as this may be compared with other disadvantaged children and weaken our case.

I believe, her achievements are worth mentioning and being truthful with the panel. I also think that what the club covers is not same as tutoring.

Did any of the parents have similar issues? can the panel experts pl advice.

Over to you....

From what I understand, successful grammar school appeals are very rare and usually revolve around hard evidence of reasons why your Dc didn't perform well enough in the 11+/entrance exams. Think, abuse, documented illness etc. I don't think whether you mention the club or not would make a huge difference if you don't have evidence of why your DC didn't pass the exam.

thanks talktoo. I forgot to mention that my daughter has passed the 11 plus entrance exam with a very good score. well above 121.

I think the score plus the academic certificates will make a strong case. just confused with the evidence :( I am failing to understand if the club is same as tutoring

(Not an expert), but as I understand for a grammar appeal you have two things to demonstrate: 1 that she is academically able if she failed the test, and 2 the same as every other appeal that this school is more suitable for her than any other.

You've presumably passed test 1 but failed to get a place due to living too far away. In which case all you need do is prove she needs this school, and that the school has capacity.

If she has been going to maths and science clubs and competitions AND the school offers extra curricular maths and science clubs which support this, or offer 3 single sciences rather than double, or Furthe Maths GCSE and no other school does, then that's great evidence. If her allocated school also offers those things though it's not so great.

It's irrelevant though that these are done outside her school though or use experimental methods.

If daughter achieved the minimum mark to be considered for a grammar school place then she did not get a place because of her distance from house to school. Your appeal if it is around your daughter's capability and achievement will not be successful because that is irrelevant.
What the appeal has to be about is why the particular school is the only school that is appropriate and best for your daughter. I do not believe from what you have said that the clubs are tutoring but they are also of no direct consequence in the context of the appeal of a reason for admission to the school. You need to be emphasising your daughter's keenness for science, which the school specialises in and then quoting the after school clubs as an example of your daughter's desire to succeed in science. You will need more good examples like this before a panel will believe that your daughter should be given a place at the school.

You mention 121 so I’m guessing you are talking about Bucks schools?

Do you live in Bucks?

My children’s school (and I think all Bucks GS) offer in catchment by distance then if any places left OOC by distance.

How far away are you? How far did they allocate on 1 March and how did this compare to last year?

How much over 121 is irrelevant you can’t be more qualified then someone else - you are either qualified or not. The distances are very small this year - our school offered 1.79 miles in catchment.

Realistically the chances of winning an over subscription appeal are very small.

I agree (as I generally do) with Admission. If your child has met the standard for a grammar school place, arguing that she's academically able won't get you far because the school and the appeal panel already know that. You need to home in on other reasons, beyond their academic ability, why this school is the most suitable.

Essentially, the school you want is full. Your DD has not qualified on the admission rules that allocate on distance. Last year, around 9% of such appeals were successful in Bucks. You need to persuade the IAP that this school is the best one for your DD. What does it offer? Why does it meet her needs? Any information you can offer about why this school is the best fit can be submitted. Never complain about the school she has been allocated. Be positive about the one you do want.

You can argue that the school you want offers x, y and z that meets her academic needs. Be careful though, because they can say all schools will meet her academic needs as the other schools are considered all ability!