11 Plus Exams Forum

Dear All
Many thanks to everyone for my previous query for exam scores. It was of great help indeed..Now after the exams are over and having been to different schools, I am bit panicky in filling the application form that requires choice of preference for selection of school with proper reasoning..
To start with few queries:
1. We live very close to JHS. Please suggest if we should put any additional reasons other than the catchment area in the application form.....
2.Very confused between RGS and JHS-(live near JHS-5 mins walk) though RGS is in catchment area as well and found more impressive and appealing on the open days.....
3. if my son does not score in VR test and if we want to get admission into Great Marlow ( which is outside the catchment area) but within the commutable distance of 5 miles to us....Please suggest what to fill in the applicaton form ( reason section ) so as to secure admission in there...

Plse help!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would suggest you put the Grammar Schools in real order of preference. ie. RGS followed by JHGS. If you qualify and are too far on distance from RGS they will remove it from your preferences and you should then safely get into JHGS which you live close to. Likewise for your upper schools, put in the real order of preference (ie Great Marlow first) making sure you have a catchment upper somewhere on your list or else you of course risk being sent to any school with spaces remaining. As for reasons, I do not honestly think it makes much difference whether or not you fill this in as they always go on distance. (Although others might disagree). The exception being is a CofE school for example which you would mention if you were a regular church goer.

I agree with bucks mum1.

The box for reasons is only there because the law says you must have the opportunity to give reasons for your preference. It doesn't mean that they will affect the outcome or that anyone is going to read them when places are allocated! (I assume that there is a separate section for relevant criteria such as siblings, and that extra documentation is recommended for faith schools.)

Just one caution, though - if you happen to finish up at an appeal, it might look rather odd if you start giving all sorts of reasons for wanting a place at the school you're appealing for, but never mentioned any of them when applying!

I agree with the above, all grammars above any uppers (usually, there are exceptions for individuals!) and all schools in true preference order.
FYI
The box for reasons is not used at all in the allocation process. The only reason to put anything in it is if you are applying under the "exceptional medical or social reasons" rule when it should state that and point to the accompanying supporting evidence. This rule, even when the reasons are accepted, rarely lifts a child high enough up the order of applicants to make a difference and the reasons stated are usually the basis of the subsequent appeal.