Why have the cut offs jumped so much?

[Inner Chimp]

From what I can see the cut off scores have jumped massively for all the schools any ideas why this has happened? Was the test an easier one? Has out reach programmes run by the schools made a difference?

[kenyancowgirl]

I haven't time to trawl back and find it but back when the results came out I predicted a 5 point increase in the AQS. I suspect this is one Beason Birmingham are desparate to introduce catchments - people are bussing in to take the test who may well be preparing for QE type schools so are purely academic but to hear of a 250 score not getting a place must be very difficult for the parents/child who will have been assured by everyone they met back in October that their son was a definite...which is why I say time and time again, NEVER tell anyone on here they are a definite or "sure of a place" from teh waiting list. Nothing is sure.

[helen0209]

From what I can see the cut off scores have jumped massively for all the schools any ideas why this has happened? Was the test an easier one? Has out reach programmes run by the schools made a difference?

The test can’t be easier or harder if it is standardised. There may have been a lot more taking it this year?

[SVK]

Record number of candidates taking the test this year. I wish the catchment area proposal had started sooner.

[Knitfaststaywarm]

I am utterly gobsmacked at the rises - have the grammars put the official cut offs up yet?

I can't believe some of figures not - 250 a no for CHB .

My heart goes out to anyone who thought they were comfortable - let's hope the waiting lists move lots and quickly.

Please,please if you're holding onto an offer you don't intend to take - put some poor family out if their misery and let it go.

[AK loving Dad]

I wonder if they have decided not to offer over the number of places available (PAN) at all and let the waiting lists do their work?

[lakings1900]

A record number of kids sat the exam this year, I'm assuming this is entirely due to the start of the baby boom wave 11 years ago. The LEA know the numbers and I would not be surprised if this is why catchments change next year.

[Skylark]

From what I can see the cut off scores have jumped massively for all the schools any ideas why this has happened? Was the test an easier one? Has out reach programmes run by the schools made a difference?

Apparently this year had the highest sitters and this must of driven up the cut-off scores. I thought 2-3 point it would go up. Was not expecting this sort of increase. I wonder how it will pan out from the waiting list. At least this sort of mayhem will end with this cohort.

[Moonsun]

Can someone put up the cutoffs and compare with last years?

[kenyancowgirl]

Here are the known cut offs for 2019 and info from 2018:

2019
CHB 249
CHG 238
FW. 237

2018 (brackets is pp)
KE CH Boys: 242 (229) - up by 2 points
KE CH Girls: 236 (219) - up by 1 point
KE Five Ways: 232 (207) - down by 1 point
KE Handsworth (Girls): 224 (209) - up by 2 points
Bishop Vesey: 222 (204) - up by 2 points
KE Aston: 220 (205) - down by 2 points
Sutton Coldfield Girls: 218 - up by one point
KE Handsworth Grammar (Boys): 208 - same as last year

QMGS school confirmed cut-off is 337 - up by 13 points
QMHS school confirmed cut-off is 320 (300 for PP) - same as last year