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How much to reveal?

Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 8:01 am
by ep mum
My appeal is tomorrow. We have accepted a place offered from the waiting list for my daughters second choice school. She really wants her first choice (appeal tomorrow), so do I tell the panel this right away? About 1/3 of the case was based on the fact that she was only offered a place at a school 25 miles away and not on the CAF form. I want to appear honest but at the same time naturally want to maximise our chances.

Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 8:32 am
by Sally-Anne
Hi ep mum

I suggest that you don't mention it, because the appealed-for school is still your first choice and you have every right to be there asking for a place, rather than just accepting your second choice.

The panel's job is to consider the evidence for that case, rather than to say "oh well, she's got another reasonable offer so it doesn't matter".

The situation is comparable with an appeal where a parent is appealing for a state grammar, but would otherwise send the child to a private school that they can easily afford to pay for. The panel should not be taking account of the alternative, but considering the strength of the case in front of them.

I would recommend though that you reduce the "one-third" of your case that is about the unacceptable school offered, and give as much weight as possible to the positive aspects of your case - academic ability and suitability for the first-choice school.

I hope that, with a reasonable alternative available, you will feel more relaxed about the process. Good luck, and do tell us how you get on.

Sally-Anne

Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 5:43 pm
by Guest55
They will probably have a copy of your CAF form so you can still say you were offered none of your choices in March. This is the truth -

You should then focus on the school you DO want explaining why.

Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 5:55 pm
by capers123
How much to reveal?
Well, that depends on the make-up of the panel. Personally I'd recommend dressing fairly modestly - don't reveal too much unless you fancy one of the panel.

:wink:

Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 7:42 pm
by Sally-Anne
capers123 wrote: Well, that depends on the make-up of the panel. Personally I'd recommend dressing fairly modestly - don't reveal too much unless you fancy one of the panel.

:wink:
:roll:

Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 9:18 pm
by ep mum
Thankyou for the input. I am just re-jigging my verbal appeal to the panel right now. I live only 2 miles from where the appeals are held so will be cycling there so I can continue with a brisk 15 mile cycle ride to clear my head. Hope none of the panel have a "thing" for lycra!

Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 7:07 am
by perplexed
Well you might hope one of them has when you meet the panel. You won't look sweaty after two miles so they'll think you put it on especially for them.

Good luck.

Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 5:15 pm
by ep mum
Well, had the appeal this morning- relaxed, friendly panel and very businesslike deputy head representing the school. No expanded evidence from them, just repeat almost word for word what was given to us as the case against. Managed to get our case across well, but the very final question was "have you been offered a place at another school?". I told the truth and said it was a great relief to have been offered something off the CAF form but we still believed this was the best and therefore only real choice for my daughter. Letter should be here at end of the week. 50 appeals for a potential 10 places.

Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 5:27 pm
by Etienne
we still believed this was the best and therefore only real choice for my daughter
Well done! I think that was a good answer.

Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 9:52 pm
by ep mum
We got a place. 17 appeals successful out of 39 heard. Thanks for support. Hurrah!