11 Plus Exams Forum

Would appreciate any advice anyone can offer. I have twins that have just took the 11 plus. Pass mark was set at 521, One passed with a figure of 609 the other just missed scoring 495 ( just 26 short). She is distraught!

Dilemma we have is if it is worthwhile appealing. We have already ruled out a review as this could compromise any future appeal.

She, the one that failed, had made such great progress in the months leading up to the exam. Some time back she was predicted to be something like 60 short. We feel she will thrive in a selective environment along with her more academic brother.

Is pressure from a more able brother a valid extenuating circumstance, is having the children in one school a valid factor. We feel that the shortfall was a result of very poor 4th year at the primary school due to some communication and teaching issues they had with their teacher. One of them recovered the other did not. We are really concerned because the choice of non selective schools in Medway is quite poor and we are even considering putting both of them in for a place at the non selective school in Maidstone St Simon Stock which has from what we've seen and heard a great reputation.

Opinions and advice much appreciated[/b]

I know of someone who appealed for a kent place and used the fact that their sister was already at the school as an arguement, and they won. They had missed by more points than that too.

If you really feel that your child should be selective, then I don't see what you have to lose.
If you have a private tutor, apparently you can get a letter from them supporting your case, if they feel your child should be selective. It could be a way forward.

Sorry to disagree but never mention a private tutor. The 11+ is supposed to be about selecting those who are natually suitable for grammar school without the use of a tutor.

I have no knowledge of the Medway system. If you don't have much knowledge have you considered posting on the appeal section of the forum?

Do the Medway grammars have a sibling policy? My other thought is that you have nothing to lose by appealing. Look at the statistics for your region regarding appeals; some areas are good, others are poor.