Mamaofthree wrote:
My DS is ranked 850! So I know the feeling, we are still hopeful though but looking at the local comps to decide order to put on CAF (after Crypt). We do have extenuating circumstances to appeal although I’ve heard that’s a tough process so I’m not keen to go down that road unless we feel strongly about it!
Mamaofthree, if you have extenuating circumstances I would seriously consider appealing if you don't get a place. You've nothing to lose.
Having said that, it is stressful - mainly because of the uncertainty for the child of not knowing which school they will go to when everyone else does. I helped a friend appeal to Crypt 2 years ago so I know what it's like. They are looking for 3 things:
1) Strong academic evidence that your child will cope in a grammar school. Letters from the head and teachers, school reports from the last couple of years showing your child performing at Greater Depth across all areas, anything else you have (maybe predicted SATs scores?). That is the most important thing.
2) A good reason which explains why your child didn't perform better in the exam. This is where you need to explain those extenuating circumstances and the effect they had on your child. The panel needs to be convinced that this is not your child's normal performance - it's all about convincing them that your child will not struggle at a grammar school.
3) Why the particular school is the only one that is right for your child. Does it offer something the others don't? They will also want to know what school you have currently accepted. Just saying you want them to go a grammar school is not enough - you need to explain what it is about Crypt in particular that you want.
If you decide to appeal, there is a lot of advice on this forum and others can tell you more than I can. If you and your child are happy with the local comp then maybe it's not worth it. But if he really wanted Crypt, and you can give good answers to all of the above, go for it (and good luck!)