Re: Appeal for Watford grammar

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hermanmunster
Posts: 12747
Joined: Fri Sep 15, 2006 9:51 am
Location: The Seaside

Re: Appeal for Watford grammar

Post by hermanmunster »

Soniar wrote:My son has just received a score of 244 in the 11 plus in Herts. We were hoping to send him to the Watford grammar (we are in the inner catchment). Can we appeal on the grounds that his dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer earlier in the year and was going through chemo in the weeks preceding and during the period of the exam? It was a traumatic time for our son and the rest of the family. Academically he is top in his class on all subjects achieving a sats score of 5b in Maths at the end of year 5. His dad was unwell with stomache cramps on the day of the exam and this and the ongoing situation at home will have affected him. He also sat the QE boys exam and achieved the score of 220 which would allow him to apply - but it is too far and we would really prefer Watford grammar,our local school.
Hi Soniar, you need to have a read of the appeals FAQ http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeals" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Re: Appeal for Watford grammar

Post by Etienne »

Welcome to Appeals! :)
Soniar wrote:My son has just received a score of 244 in the 11 plus in Herts. We were hoping to send him to the Watford grammar (we are in the inner catchment). Can we appeal on the grounds that his dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer earlier in the year and was going through chemo in the weeks preceding and during the period of the exam?
Certainly something to be mentioned (with supporting medical evidence), but the basis for an appeal should normally be alternative academic evidence.
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeal ... cation#b11" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It was a traumatic time for our son and the rest of the family. Academically he is top in his class on all subjects achieving a sats score of 5b in Maths at the end of year 5.
If he's doing so well at school, it might suggest to an appeal panel that he's coped remarkably well?

Would the school write a letter to say that his work has been affected?
His dad was unwell with stomache cramps on the day of the exam
You might be on stronger ground here, as it's something specific to the day of the test.
He also sat the QE boys exam and achieved the score of 220 which would allow him to apply - but it is too far and we would really prefer Watford grammar,our local school.
That might go down well with an appeal panel - if the school is oversubscribed (as it probably will be), you need to give reasons for wanting a place.
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeal ... -school#c2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Etienne
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Re: Appeal for Watford grammar

Post by Etienne »

Soniar wrote:Is it worth us submitting this evidence in our application to the school or LA? Many thanks.
No - you can't do anything until March (apart from getting your evidence together).
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeal ... cation#b51" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Use the time to read about appeals in the Q&As so that you're really well-informed! :)
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeals/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Etienne
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Re: Appeal for Watford grammar

Post by Etienne »

Soniar wrote:Thanks Ettienne, from what I have told you so far do you feel we have grounds for an appeal?
Yes - but I wouldn't want to give you false hope because (a) appeals tend to be unpredictable, and (b) I've a feeling that appeals for Herts grammar schools may not be easy.

Having said that, you should certainly try - otherwise you could always regret not having tried.
Are there any specialist consultants we can who can advise us when preparing for an appeal
I would strongly advise against - you really need to read the Q&As! :)
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeals/general#a11" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Also, regarding why WFG - it is our nearest school, our son's closest friends are going there under sibling rule and having a dad who has cancer we want him to be at our local school with his friends to minimise any further emotional issues. Are those legitimate reasons?
Yes.
If they're at the same school, could the school write a letter to say that it would help your son to have the support of his friends?
And/or could the other parents write to say that your respective sons are good friends, that their own child will be going to the school, that they are very concerned about your son, and hope that the appeal panel can take into account that he is going to need a lot of support?
Etienne
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