What if...

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Hopeful mum

What if...

Post by Hopeful mum »

Our son is taking the Bucks test, the Consortium test and the Slough Grammar test.

As I understand it, it is conceivable that he could get an offer from all three (as well as he might 'fail' all three!). However, in the best case scenario, how long do you have to decide or do you have to stick with the order on your Common Application Form to Bucks - offers from Slough and the Consortium would obviously be outside the Bucks administration system.

We are putting our genuine order of preference on the CAF but, things can change over time. So, do we have the opportunity to reconsider?

Thanks
Catherine
Posts: 1348
Joined: Sun Dec 04, 2005 4:47 pm
Location: Berks,Bucks

Post by Catherine »

It is possible to change the order on the CAF, but if you leave it too late, you may not be offered a place with the first round of allocation. If you did, it would be best to change as early as possible. I do know parents in your situation (living in Bucks with kids applying for Bucks and Slough) who changed their preferences just after the Slough results with no problem, but if you did, make sure that you know what you are doing...

It is however very difficult to change the preferences within the consortium, specially the first preference.
Dad40
Posts: 359
Joined: Mon Jun 04, 2007 4:40 pm
Location: Chiltern District, Bucks

Post by Dad40 »

This is probably unhelpful at such a late stage but........if you apply online you can keep changing your preferences right up to the closing date.
WP

Re: What if...

Post by WP »

Hopeful mum wrote:Our son is taking the Bucks test, the Consortium test and the Slough Grammar test.

As I understand it, it is conceivable that he could get an offer from all three (as well as he might 'fail' all three!). However, in the best case scenario, how long do you have to decide or do you have to stick with the order on your Common Application Form to Bucks - offers from Slough and the Consortium would obviously be outside the Bucks administration system.
I don't think that's right. You may get the scores earlier, but any offer, including those from out of county, should come through your LEA (Bucks), and you should only see one of them in March, namely the one you ranked highest. The lower ranked offers will already have been taken back and offered to other candidates. You have made the decision when you submit your CAF.
Catherine
Posts: 1348
Joined: Sun Dec 04, 2005 4:47 pm
Location: Berks,Bucks

Post by Catherine »

So far, the Slough grammars have sent their own offers even if it was different from the offer from the CAF. Pupils may for example have received an offer from Bucks CC for Burnham GS if they had it first on the list, but if they also qualified for Slough, they would have received an offer from one of the Slough grammars.
WP

Post by WP »

Catherine wrote:So far, the Slough grammars have sent their own offers even if it was different from the offer from the CAF. Pupils may for example have received an offer from Bucks CC for Burnham GS if they had it first on the list, but if they also qualified for Slough, they would have received an offer from one of the Slough grammars.
That is naughty of them, as the admissions code expressly forbids this (and it would undermine the coordinated admissions system).
WP

Post by WP »

Catherine wrote:So far, the Slough grammars have sent their own offers even if it was different from the offer from the CAF. Pupils may for example have received an offer from Bucks CC for Burnham GS if they had it first on the list, but if they also qualified for Slough, they would have received an offer from one of the Slough grammars.
It seems they've changed to conform. From the consortium procedures for 2008:
All offers of places are made by the candidate's local authority on 1 March 2008. A letter will be sent after the 1 March 2008 from your highest named grammar school in the Consortium on your Common Application Form and registration form, confirming the offer of a place that was sent to the candidate's local authority prior to the 1 March 2008.
Slough Grammar's Advice to Parents of Year 6 pupils:
Following the test you will be informed in early December 2007 of your child’s test result. If he/she has reached the pass mark (usually 111), he/she may be therefore eligible for a place at Slough Grammar School. This is not an actual offer of a place as places can only officially be offered by Local Authorities on or after 1st March 2008.
The following paragraph is a bit more vague, though:
All firm offers of places at schools will be made by your Local Authority on 1st March 2008. A letter of confirmation of the offer of a place at Slough Grammar School will be sent to you immediately after this date provided that your child has passed the test, that there is a place available, and that you have listed Slough Grammar School on your Common Application Form.
guest2

Post by guest2 »

It will be interesting to see if the Slough Grammars conform to the rules this year. Up to till now they have been reluctant to do so, abusing their Foundation status.

I understand that Slough GS has been the worst offender in the past.
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