11 Plus Exams Forum

Hi All

Our DD passed the Kent test last year but unfortunately it was not enough to get her a place at her first choice of grammar school (2nd not allocated either or our local community college so have had to accept a place at another local school not on our SCAF)
We would like to appeal as we feel there are extenuating circumstances which we will email to the appeals box but would obviously like any advice that others may wish to share to make our appeal as successful as we can!
Our DD is predicted 5's in her SAT's and reading is 2 years ahead, but can anyone tell me if we should include her recent CAT scores and where I would find out if her marks are above average?
The story she wrote for the English test I think show's how emotional she was feeling on the day has anyone ever included this in their appeal before?
She is also in a Maths Master class which is run by our local secondary school but unfortunately as the teacher is from this school she can't write a letter supporting her abilities due to a conflict of interests so what else could I show the appeals panel to confirm this?
Thank you all in advance

(ps new to this forum so please correct me if I am doing things wrong!)

welcome to the forum

have you looked at the Q&A on appeals?

http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeals" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

there is a wealth of information there, a good starting point

Welcome to the forum Whitehart

My initial thought having read your post was; could the Head Teacher at her primary school confirm the Maths Master Class? Our former primary school had to put forward children to this type of scheme at the GS so the HT would have been able to include that in any supporting statement. If the HT is willing to support your appeal it is worth having a brief chat to discuss what you need from the letter. In our case the HT was brilliant and even re wrote it after I (respectfully) pointed out I really needed her to say x, y and z!

I referred to the English written task in our appeal and am sure other parents do.

What you do need to be is very concise and to the point about why you want the school. If there was a cut off score which DD didn't reach you need to point out why this was. No waffling!

If you want to post the CAT scores the mods will comment on how good or average they are.

You will have read that it is best to source as many indicators of suitable ability as you can, and that you need to communicate to the panel why this school is most suitable for DD. This could be all manner of things and ideally will be very individual to your case rather than sweeping, general statements.

I would recommend the feedback post by dejavu. A few of us stole her format and it certainly worked for me, but am sure it wouldn't be for everybody. (depends if you have a touch of OCD....)

Good luck

yes i was another who found dejavu's appeal feedback very helpful. You can find it here -
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... 5&start=20" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
My appeal and T12ACY's is also in this thread. Even though dejavu was doing a 12+ appeal she really explains how to set it out and ideas for points to use.
My successful over-sub appeal was for a school where my dd had passed but not reached the cut off for the school. I focused mainly on why that school was right for my dd - its specialisms, ease of transport. But also did include evidence from the school to say my dd was working a level 5's etc.

Dear T12acy and tired mum

Thank you both!

My DD's CAT scores last September were V-128 NV-125 M-118 she scored 407 in her 11+.

Our Headteacher is being very supportive and I hope will be happy to incorporate the Maths teachers comments in her letter to the appeal panel. will look at dejavu's appeal feedback now....

127+ is the top category.
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeal ... cation#b28" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
(see table at end)

It depends what argument you're thinking of using the CATs to support.

Was there an unexpected individual score in the 11+?
Perhaps you could give us a breakdown?

Dear Etienne

I sent an email to the appeals box with all the background info.

Thanks

I've now had a look at the background information. Thanks.

You're right to try and focus on maths (e.g. the master class), but my feeling is that the CATs results won't do anything to strengthen your case.

The extenuating circumstances are strong, and I think it would be a good idea to include the story written for the English test.

Good to know that the headteacher is being so supportive.

Dear Etienne

Thanks for your reply do you think I should still incude them as Maths is the lowest score although she has made continued progress from SAT's scores in 2009?