Only just failed 11+ - worth appealing?

[WishIWasSomewhereElse]

My DD (who has had no tuition and who's school was put into special measures last year), has scored 118 on the 11+, and she needed 121.

I would almost feel better if she'd scored less than 115 and not been close.

I've emailed the head, who is going to speak to her teacher to see how she's doing academically.

It was pointed out that having the test late (a long time after the practice one) due to the bubble closing, could be a factor.

My DD has also suffered the loss of her only uncle recently (which affected me very badly), and my dad is terminally ill, and she has wet the bed through worrying about him and having nightmares about him dying.

I'm kind of lost in all this.

Originally posted in Primary Education, but wasn't sure which forum would be best.

Oh gosh what a year she’s had and Covid-19 too. Yes do appeal and get school to support write about her abilities and extenuating circumstances

11 + forum very helpful in what to include in your selection review/ appeal. Well worth reading. You need an endorsement from the headteacher, and ideally some objective academic results - SATS, CATS? That sort of thing. Best of luck.

Definitely appeal. Nothing to lose. Try and get the support of the headteacher. Best wishes x

Oh what a dreadful time you’ve all had. There’s certainly nothing to lose. Hope everything improves for you all. x

Definitely appeal
As others have said, you should get the headteacher’s endorsement.
Also check out the 11+ forum where there will be loads of useful advice.

Depending on where you are, you could possibly get an offer later. The daughter of one of my former colleagues was not offered a place initially, but then several girls dropped out and she got in. (I have known a couple of children whose parents turned down Grammar in favour of independent. ) From what I remember she was about 20th on the list. It is worth an appeal, if for no other reason than to bump her up any waiting list, especially if her primary school are on board.
You have all certainly had a tough year. Good luck

As she is close, you must appeal. I assume the school will support you.

I do have to say though, that the school must get their act together. They must not only support you but be clear about her educational needs being best me in a grammar school. You could also strongly argue that if she had gone to an outstanding school, her attainment and progress would be higher than has been possible. Many poor schools do not get the attainment and progress that really good teachers do and it’s highly likely she was disadvantaged. Ditto if no tuition. Get all your thoughts together and appeal.

Where I live, 118 was always ok for appeal (121 selection mark) but you might not get first choice grammar. Of course if the grammars are full, then you have to wait for any DC who don’t take up their places.

I would appeal if you feel it would be the right school for her.

I would bear in mind though that many grammar schools do not offer good pastoral support. I have first hand experience of an unsupportive grammar that had zero pastoral care. Their lack of support and care when my Ds needed it most has caused huge long-term issues.

I don't want to sound too negative but that was our experience. You know your Dd best though, especially the kind of school that would suit her and any pastoral support she may need. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I would say the opposite of grammars I know. They do support dc very well. However you presumably know your schools and whether it’s right for DD. In my view she deserves her chance. She was robust enough to take the test so she may well be fine - I wouldn’t necessarily expect the worst!

The cut-off is 121 - there is no waiting list for those who get less than this.

I should clarify it's not an appeal, it's a selection review first (you can skip this and go straight for appeal, but I won't do that, as the appeals are held in summer, by then all grammar schools are full, whereas the selection review is before any allocations).

There are no good secondary schools here, they really are dire, and I'm not too confident about getting into the less bad ones we've selected.

The school have confirmed they will happily support her. I was worried they wouldn't, but only one has passed, the two who were tutored got 2 points more than her (but still 'failed' and 111, which is 10 points below, so I'm proud that she has done this of her own volition).

@PresentingPercy are you in Bucks by any chance?

In Kent here 118 would likely get you a grammar school place on appeal / waiting list

My DD just failed her 11+ in bucks, she was also just shy of 121. I defo would appeal if you can though from speaking to parents where I am the demand is quite high and where we are we are out of catchment. We have decided not to appeal as DD has decided she prefers a secondary school near us

Bucks has the admission details of grammars on their web site in terms of distance admitted etc. If you are a bucks resident you are in catchment for a grammar but some are tricky - Sir William Borlase’s is often over subscribed from catchment. Others are not - eg SHF Aylesbury.

We are in mk and ones we were looking into we were out

Yes. Bucks. I thought the review stage was not instigated by parents. They (LA.schools) used to review near misses and then it’s appeal if parents wish to. But I’m a bit out of date!

Appeals can result in GS places otherwise what’s the point?

I’m wrong. It is now for parents to ask for a review! Why wouldn’t you do this? Why not speak to the school?

I've spoken to the school and they're happy, apparently it is harder to get an appeal if you fail the review stage (unless there was some error).

To be honest I'm happy just to go with the review. The appeal is in summer, and the school would be filled by then.