11 Plus Exams Forum

My daughter has been offered a place for Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls-a school she has ALWAYS wanted to attend.

Whilst waiting for her result,she made best friends with a girl,who has been accepted for Camp Hill Girls.After calling I realised that she scored 226 and would just have nailed Camp Hill Girls.

I am now in a dilemma of whether to appeal or not to as my daughter wants to attend camp hill girls(second option)with her friend but is unsure that she will be able to cope with the competition.Her expected level is 5A in all areas.

Is the appeal worth it?

Thank you so much in advance

Hello.
I know nothing about appeals but I do know a fair bit about girls and friendships among them.

You emphasise that your daughter has always wanted to attend the school for which she has a place.

She has now got a 'new' best friend who is going to a different school.

Is this a good enough reason to go through the heartache and hassle of appeal? Knowing girls, they might well hate the sight of each other by September. And if they don't- well, they can still be best friends, and it is great to have a friend at a different school, as all of mine have discovered over the years.

Just my opinion.

Amber wrote:Hello.
I know nothing about appeals but I do know a fair bit about girls and friendships among them.

You emphasise that your daughter has always wanted to attend the school for which she has a place.

She has now got a 'new' best friend who is going to a different school.

Is this a good enough reason to go through the heartache and hassle of appeal? Knowing girls, they might well hate the sight of each other by September. And if they don't- well, they can still be best friends, and it is great to have a friend at a different school, as all of mine have discovered over the years.

Just my opinion.

Thank you so much. I think that this really put my daughter (in some ways me!)on the right track.And you are right to say that it would be much of an hassle.She will make new friends wherever she goes-I was thinking about the appeal that they will be able to travel together as I am slightly reluctant to let my daughter travel alone for the first time But I guess that I will have to drop here to school!

Suttoncoldfield

I am not sure what an appeal panel would have made of it anyway tbh. Everyone worries about transport and friendship issues when children move to secondary school- it's what parents do. I am sure your daughter will be just fine. My own DD has never attended the same school as her best friend, and both of them say that they think that has helped. Sometimes having someone who knows nothing of cliques and in crowds and lessons etc at your own school can be a great breath of fresh air and a safety valve when it all feels too much. Just as we don't always like to socialise with our work colleagues, however lovely they are, so children need others too.

Good luck to your DD at the school she has always wanted to attend...and well done to her for gaining a place.

Thank you so much Amber.This worry has been evolving my mind day and night!

I guess it's just a phase in life letting go of old and embracing new!Tbh then we would have to worry that they are put into the same house and choose the same subjects!

Suttoncoldfield

Oh sure, they could turn up to a big new school and never be in the same group for anything. Then looking for one another at break-times and at the bus stop will prevent other new friendships forming.

If that's the only reason, drop the idea like a hot brick!

Hi S/C

Good luck to your daughter.. I have just replied to your other post too.

It's too late for an Appeal anyway, and you are not far from Sutton. It's a brilliant school and I'm sure your DD will be very happy there.

Reeyah

Thank you so much.People often question why I didn't put my dd for the Camp Hill Girls as it is a King Edward school therefore far,far better I would just remain quiet at those awkward points as it is often critisism that my dd has potential and Sutton Girls isn't a good school.You hear Kind Edward everywhere and we want our children to recieve the best education so I thought that Sutton Girls might not be good.

That did make me want to appeal so that the decision of Sutton Girls doesn't affect my dd-so she can be the best she can be.

(I do apologise if my worries seem weird if not hilarious!!)

Suttoncoldfield