11 Plus Exams Forum

Has anyone got any insight in the appeal system Slough?

Have a look at the Bucks threads. Lots of valuable info posted by Etienne, a lady who used to hear appeals. May give you a general idea of how its done

BW

Sorry Guest but it all seems a very closed shop regarding Slough appeals. I understand that the address you appeal to is a PO Box No and there doesn't seem to be any information on the web. Not like the relative transparency of the Bucks system.

We need a 'slough system' Etienne or a past appealer to help out.

It would also be interesting to find out why in Slough the appeals are scheduled for after the Allocation Day (March 1st) while in Bucks the selection appeals are finished.

I don't know a lot about the Berks appeal system I am afraid. There was a few posts on another 11+ forum last year, with some accounts of successful and unsuccessful appeals, but not much about personal circumstances or the process.
I would think that the appeal process in Slough has some similarities with the Bucks one but considering that the two LEAs have a different approach towards the exam, they may have a different approach towards appeals as well.
The Bucks exam only comprises verbal reasonong and the LEA forbids coaching by the schools because their reckon that the exam must only test the inner ability. Slough exam has a Maths part which obviously has to be practiced, and in addition the LEA allows coaching by schools as long as it does not impinge on the curriculum.
The two LEAs may take different factors into consideration for appeals.

Thank you everyone.
The thread on appeals in Bucks is really interesting. I wish there was something similar for Slough but I still can use the insight that it gives.

Anyone out there appealing for a Slough grammar?
Anyone with some knowledge (any knowledge) of the system?

Any comment welcome!

Our appeal was this morning for Herschel. Was nerve wrecking as have never done this before. However, the panel members were really nice and made us feel at ease. We prepared as well as we could thanks to the advice from this forum, especially Etienne, Patricia et al.

We were told by Herschel Grammar schools headmaster that there were about 250 appealing for places. Of those about 170 was for Herschel. Plus the school was full and children were waiting on the waiting list who had pass.

This does not look good for us.

Fingers cross.

Best of luck to you Smiley.
Do you know when you get the result?

I have read all the threads on appeals with great interest. (particularly Bucks) We are appealing for St. Bernards in Slough. The hearing is not until end of April and we are in a slightly different position to many others appealing as our child is at a middle school . This means that ordinarily our child would not change schools until Year 9 Our daughter missed a pass by 3 marks and whilst I think our grounds are quite strong I guess in reality she's 'borderline' and could have gone either way. The headteacher of her school says policy prevents him giving a reference as Windsor does not support selective system. She is predicted level 5's in SATs and I think she would really blossom in a grammar school which is why we decided to go ahead with the appeal....
anyway- I don't know anyone with any info about appealing to St Bernards- or anywhere in Slough for that matter.
Any advice would be gratefully received!

I am not sure whether it is 'policy' that may prevent him giving a reference or the fact that he cannot be seen to recommend transfer out of the middle school system in Windsor.
As a parent you can ask him to advise you of your childs levels achieved at this moment and also put in writing the SATS levels your child is expected to achieve in May (you could also ask for a statement as to how your child approaches their schoolwork and their personality if you think it could help your appeal). At least having this in written format will be of use.
I know of children appealing for both Slough grammar and Herschel with marks consistent with your child and none have been able to get a 'recommendation' from a Middle school.
There are also children from the Windsor area that are leaving to attend 'Charters' in Sunningdale as there is no option but a 'single gender' senior school in the Windsor Area.
Good luck