My D has been denied an automatic transition from junior to senior

[bird77]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone can help. My D has been asked to leave the junior school where she only joined in Year 5 after an initial assessment.The school now thinks her grades are not high enough for their senior.She is devastated-we all are -and I don't know if simply accept the school's decision or to fight for her place.Did anyone have a similar experience?

Thanks for all your messages and advices.We are looking at small independent schools, even if they are quite far and we might have to relocate.My D is not coping very well with this situation, she thinks we can still change the school's decision.I do not wish to anyone to go through this.I do believe private schools have the right to select children but once they had selected them, they should have very valid reasons to threw them out.

Take her out. If they don't want her, no point fighting it. They want A ratings, they don't care about children. Get her into a more normal environment with at least some pastoral care.

@bird77

Thanks for all your messages and advices.We are looking at small independent schools, even if they are quite far and we might have to relocate.My D is not coping very well with this situation, she thinks we can still change the school's decision.I do not wish to anyone to go through this.I do believe private schools have the right to select children but once they had selected them, they should have very valid reasons to threw them out.

Best of luck to you and I hope you can find somewhere your DD is happy. I am not anti Private schools, my DC attend a non selective one, but your experience is the downside of Selection- they need to have the best results so focus on that goal rather than the mental wellbeing of the children.

OP I’m sorry your daughter is going through this. I went to a similar school. 6 girls from my year were told not to take the entrance exam or they would fail (the ones that still did all failed).

Don’t fight the decision, accept and look for best option for your daughter. I think even if they changed their mind you would probably always be on “tender hooks” that would raise the issue in y7, 8 etc,

Be really positive with your daughter. Lots of people change schools at 11. Tell her you are going to find the best possible school for her.

Where are you in the country? Maybe people can suggest some options.

I think the school has let you and your daughter down very badly @bird77

I hope you find her another school that feels like a positive result for you

I'm sorry this is happening to your daughter. IMO schools that do this sort of thing are crap at teaching and just want an easy life; they are certainly not worth paying for. There are schools out there that don't take a one size fits all approach and dump the "square pegs", but instead understand their pupils as individuals and find ways to help them thrive. If you give an indication of area, someone may be able to recommend one for you.

@bird77 any chance you could please privately message me which one is the school? Or indicate where in the country? We might be in a similar position..

@CoastalWave
You don't even need to be a qualified teacher to teach in private.

Same for academies or free schools, i.e. the majority of state secondary schools in England.

Having been a teacher trying to manage pupils from the prep dept who struggled in senior school, I would absolutely look for new school. It is so bad for the pupils self esteem.
But also remember that their academic ability in KS2 does not mean their future is set in stone - lots of pupils take a bit longer but then soar when they get the right help in secondary school.