over-subscription appeal - academic evidence?

tiredmum · Post by **tiredmum** » Sat Mar 06, 2010 12:36 pm

Thanks alex
am formulating the appeal in my head just need to organise it now. Do you think that raising too many points clouds the appeal

if you see what i mean

Its just i can also raise the friendship group issue as they are going to the school we are appealing for, but my dd makes friends easily and this was not a reason she chose the school. I just want to give it the best chance so dont want to leave anything out but also dont want to ramble like i am doing here

Also really appreciate your comments.

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Sat Mar 06, 2010 1:42 pm

Do you think that raising too many points clouds the appeal

It can do. The essential question to ask yourself is "is this point relevant?". If a person has overwhelmingly strong reasons for appealing for a particular school then it is probably better not to muddy the impact of the main issues with a lot of minor ones.

Minor points can be given a passing mention, sometimes "tagged on" to other points, e.g in my county someone might say, "We live in the area for free transport for this school and many of her friends will be going there".

tiredmum · Post by **tiredmum** » Sun Mar 07, 2010 11:57 pm

could sally-anne or etianne please take a look at my thread - i would be so grateful - i posted some info to the appeals box a few days ago and i know you are busy but i need to get my case done this week and am starting to panic. Alex has been very helpful but would really like to know what you think - thanks

Post by **Etienne** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 12:33 am

Dear tiredmum

I've been following your thread, and entirely agree with what Alex has said.

My main point for my appeal is that she enjoys one of the schools specialisms and is very talented in an area the school holds a good reputation for.

That's a good point.

I'd be much more wary about things she has only just started doing, and general points such as 'the ethos of the school' (see my comments in fairie's thread), and how 'active' she is. If the panel are interested in her involvement, they will ask - otherwise, don't dilute your case.

I agree with Alex that it's worth mentioning that her sister is at another grammar school, but this is her first preference school and the one she really wants to go to.

I also agree that you don't need general academic evidence - unless you're trying to make a case that the 11+ result, although a qualifying score, was not a true reflection of her ability.

Hope this helps.

tiredmum · Post by **tiredmum** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 12:59 am

thanks so much

tiredmum · Post by **tiredmum** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 1:08 am

oh just a thought reading another case - do i need a letter from the headmaster or class teacher? if so what should it be saying thanks

Post by **Etienne** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 2:06 am

Only if it helps support one of your main points ("My main point for my appeal is that she enjoys one of the schools specialisms .....") or can explain why your daughter would be especially well-suited to this particular school.

tiredmum · Post by **tiredmum** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 6:34 pm

ok think i know how to set it out, not to waffle and what to write on the form. Can i type on the appeals form? my hand writing is so bad?

Post by **Etienne** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:35 pm

You can type if you want to.

tiredmum · Post by **tiredmum** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 1:19 pm

sorry guys another question.
On the form the school sent me I understand that i need to set out my case as simply as possible for example

Dear Members of the Panel,

I wish to appeal to you on the following grounds:

- We live in the catchment area of the school.

- Educational reasons. My son's ability in Mathematics makes him very well-suited to a school specialising in this area of the curriculum. (See evidence attached as Appendix 1)

- Social reasons. My son's friends will all be going to this school. He has been bullied by boys who will be attending the allocated school. (Evidence to follow).

Thank you for taking the time to consider my appeal. I look forward to meeting you, and answering any questions you may have.

Yours sincerely

Then before the appendix sheets would i discuss in more detail each of the points I have raised?

or am i letting the evidance talk for itself

Its just it dosnt seem much and i dont want to blow my chance by not explaining in detail why. I know i present my case to the panel as well but would worry i will forget to say something if i havnt written it in black and white before hand

THANKS for all help