selection review concerns (Bucks)
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 7:50 pm
I am looking for advice about our selection review application. The school are keen for me to keep the application in place and that is also the advice I am getting from BCC but I am seriously concerned that because my son had a low score of 113 and we don’t have any extenuating circumstances we will not be successful.
He is very bright with levels - English overall 5, speaking and listending 4, reading 4a, writing 5c, maths 5c, science 4a at the end of yr 5 and 2 level 6s predicted for end of yr 6 (reading and maths as he is doing level 6 SATs test in these next spring) plus 5a prediction for science and writing, which is why the head teacher recommended the review application. He was all level 3s at te end of key stage 1. We have a very strong headteacher letter using words such as 'unreservedly supporting the application' and 'he would be misplaced elsewhere' with a 2:1 recommendation.
My concern is that if we are unsuccessful it will jeopardise our chance at appeal as we will have to argue that the selection review was unfair and inconsistent. My feelings are that I should withdraw the selection review application and go straight to appeal and be able to put forward a very strong academic case (risking a first round school allocation I know). Please are you able to shed any light on whether an unsuccessful selection review weakens a subsequent appeal? I am very keen for him to go to a grammar school because of his ability, as is he, but feel unable to make an informed decision about the right route to take. It doesn't help knowing that only 9% got through in 2013 with his score of 113 but 30% got through in 2014 with his score - which way will it go this year!??
He is very bright with levels - English overall 5, speaking and listending 4, reading 4a, writing 5c, maths 5c, science 4a at the end of yr 5 and 2 level 6s predicted for end of yr 6 (reading and maths as he is doing level 6 SATs test in these next spring) plus 5a prediction for science and writing, which is why the head teacher recommended the review application. He was all level 3s at te end of key stage 1. We have a very strong headteacher letter using words such as 'unreservedly supporting the application' and 'he would be misplaced elsewhere' with a 2:1 recommendation.
My concern is that if we are unsuccessful it will jeopardise our chance at appeal as we will have to argue that the selection review was unfair and inconsistent. My feelings are that I should withdraw the selection review application and go straight to appeal and be able to put forward a very strong academic case (risking a first round school allocation I know). Please are you able to shed any light on whether an unsuccessful selection review weakens a subsequent appeal? I am very keen for him to go to a grammar school because of his ability, as is he, but feel unable to make an informed decision about the right route to take. It doesn't help knowing that only 9% got through in 2013 with his score of 113 but 30% got through in 2014 with his score - which way will it go this year!??