Oversubscription Appeal - Single Gender School

[Booklady]

You could say that!!

Just asked the school to do a supportive letter Wait to see what they say!

Which school are you appealing for?

[joop]

JHG and SWB for my ds - so we are not in competition !

[jumboscribbler]

Hello Booklady,
I am in exactly the same position, although we weren't even offered BGS, but Chesham Grammar! Totally impossible. We are appealing and going on the waiting list for BHS. We are literally on the wrong side of the road for catchment, so are hoping to get through on the waiting list before going to appeal. We had an appeal for the 11+ and can't face another one.....

Good luck everyone.

[jumboscribbler]

Hello Booklady,
I am in exactly the same position, although we weren't even offered BGS, but Chesham Grammar! Totally impossible. We are appealing and going on the waiting list for BHS. We are literally on the wrong side of the road for catchment, so are hoping to get through on the waiting list before going to appeal. We had an appeal for the 11+ and can't face another one.....

Good luck everyone.

[Booklady]

Hi Jumboscribbler - I think you live round the corner from me - and I think we met last Saturday!!

[jumboscribbler]

I thought it might be you! Fingers crossed for both of us. Will call in April.

[Booklady]

Can Sally-Anne or Etienne answer this please? Our Head has been advised there is no form for them to complete for an over-sub appeal - which I understand. However also been advised she/he plays no part in this appeal - even though he/she is happy to help. Can you shed some light - would it help our case if a letter was written, at the moment I will discuss our case with him/her, who will offer any additional suggestions to incorporate in the written statement before I submit the case.

Also it has been suggested we get our supporting paperwork in as quickly as possible - we have said we are appealing, paperwork to follow. Does getting everything else in asap make any difference?

Thanks for your advice - as always!

[Etienne]

Our Head has been advised there is no form for them to complete for an over-sub appeal - which I understand.

Sounds right.

However also been advised she/he plays no part in this appeal - even though he/she is happy to help. Can you shed some light

There is absolutely nothing in the Code of Practice to stop the head of the current school writing in support of an appeal for another school. The only thing forbidden is that the head of the school being appealed for cannot write in support (because of the 'conflict of interest'). I wonder if the current head has misunderstood this?

I don't think it applies to you, but some (non-selective) LAs tell their headteachers not to co-operate with appeals for selective schools in other areas - and the headteachers concerned may or may not follow this advice in practice!

My recollection is that most oversubscription appeals, unlike non-qualification appeals, are not supported by a letter from the primary school headteacher, probably because the head is not in a position, or it's not their role, to support the actual arguments parents are putting forward (e.g. catchment area, sibling, transport problems).

- would it help our case if a letter was written

Yes - depending on what it says! A letter of support for an oversubscription appeal would serve no useful purpose unless it gives valid reasons that the head is in a position to comment on (e.g. "This child excels at maths, and would be very well-suited to the specialism on offer," or "I can confirm that this child is vulnerable, and would benefit from the support of close friends who have already been offered places at the school for September".)

Also it has been suggested we get our supporting paperwork in as quickly as possible - we have said we are appealing, paperwork to follow. Does getting everything else in asap make any difference?

It helps the administrators, but no, it doesn't affect the appeal.

[Booklady]

Thanks Etienne! Very useful feedback as always!