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Missed SET passmark by less than a point

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2016 8:31 pm
by Wimbles
Hi all,

I am trying to keep this general, but we are planning on appealing and are looking for words of wisdom.

We obtained my son's score for the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test, as we were devastated to find out he hadn't passed, after passing all his mocks and being an A student at his school.

We have since obtained his score, and it was less than a point to the pass mark.

Interested in other's opinions/experiences.

Forum moderators, as we are definitely appealing, please could you provide help with this if possible?


Many thanks.

Re: Missed SET passmark by less than a point

Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2016 7:02 pm
by Etienne
Welcome to Appeals! :)

For general advice I would suggest reading the Q&As, if you haven't already done so:
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeals/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
...... after passing all his mocks and being an A student at his school
I doubt that an appeal panel will take 'mocks' into account.
Also, it's not clear what exactly an "A" student is, because it probably depends on the standard within the school, the percentage who get an A, and what is being measured (achievement or effort?).

The main focus should indeed be on academic evidence, but the following might be a better guide for what is needed:
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeal ... cation#b11" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
he was 7 weeks prem
Not sure I would pursue this point, if simultaneously arguing how well he's been doing ("an A student").
he has very recently been diagnosed with Aspergers ......
Certainly worth mentioning, although the admission authority can argue that they made reasonable adjustments/arrangements.
Probably best to express your appreciation of what was done, but gently try to point out that it isn't really possible to compensate fully for the difficulties faced by children with aspergers etc.
(Edited - sorry, I overlooked that the reasonable adjustments were for Tiffin only.)

Re: Missed SET passmark by less than a point

Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2016 2:16 pm
by Wimbles
Thanks Etienne, this is really helpful.

Sutton standardises scores according to age which is why we feel the prematurity should be taken into account.

Re: Missed SET passmark by less than a point

Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2016 2:27 pm
by catcool
If he has not passed the SET he is not eligible to sit the stage 2. I very much doubt they will remark the paper.
You will have to name the school(s) on your CAF and appeal next summer .

Re: Missed SET passmark by less than a point

Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2016 9:15 pm
by Moon unit
I am sure Catcool is correct. The SET won't be remarked. The only way forward is to put the schools on the CAF even though your son won't have done the second parts.
You will have to appeal after March.
Really tough for you as it's such a long way off.
I presume you are aware that a significant number of boys who pass the part 2 don't get a place so I think the chances of success are pretty slim.
Really hope Tiffin goes well.
Wishing you the best of luck.

Re: Missed SET passmark by less than a point

Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2016 12:44 pm
by Wimbles
Thanks all. Very helpful.

Re: Missed SET passmark by less than a point

Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2016 12:29 am
by Etienne
Sutton standardises scores according to age which is why we feel the prematurity should be taken into account.
Generally speaking, I can see a possible argument - if applicable - along the lines "Got off to a slow start in the early years, but look at the accelerated progress made since."
On the other hand, challenging 'the system' (e.g. the way in which standardisation has been done) in my experience tends not to go down well at appeals.

http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeal ... ication#b4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
    • ..... it’s not a good idea to challenge the system at appeal, or to argue that your child should be given the “benefit of the doubt”. Whatever the system is, that is the system that must be used (apart from reasonable adjustments for special needs). However, at an appeal you have the opportunity to come up with alternative academic evidence to try and prove that the result was not a true reflection of your child’s ability.

Re: Missed SET passmark by less than a point

Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2017 9:55 pm
by Wimbles
Hi Etinenne
I'm reviving my thread as we are now able to appeal having received our official rejection.

I'm just collating all our evidence of academic performance at school (which is strong - report (with glowing HT comment at the end), exam results (all in 80% range) and top sets for all subjects set in year 6). He's also just been offered a private school place having coming in the top 'quartile'.

Do I list the ADHD under extenuating circumstances? Should this come after academic ability?

Also, do I then as a final paragraph say why I believe that school is the best one for DS? I'm not sure where I fit this in?

I am hoping to speak to head teacher tomorrow to (hopefully!) get a letter of support.

I would really appreciate getting your thoughts on my draft letter - can I message this to you?

Thanks


quote="Etienne"]
Sutton standardises scores according to age which is why we feel the prematurity should be taken into account.
Generally speaking, I can see a possible argument - if applicable - along the lines "Got off to a slow start in the early years, but look at the accelerated progress made since."
On the other hand, challenging 'the system' (e.g. the way in which standardisation has been done) in my experience tends not to go down well at appeals.

http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeal ... ication#b4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
    • ..... it’s not a good idea to challenge the system at appeal, or to argue that your child should be given the “benefit of the doubt”. Whatever the system is, that is the system that must be used (apart from reasonable adjustments for special needs). However, at an appeal you have the opportunity to come up with alternative academic evidence to try and prove that the result was not a true reflection of your child’s ability.
[/quote]

Re: Missed SET passmark by less than a point

Posted: Thu Mar 02, 2017 12:55 am
by Etienne
Sorry, we don't normally have time to go through individual appeal letters. :(

Why not read the Q&As? There's even advice on the order in which you can list your points.
B21(e) :)