Appeal results. (Lincs)

[Motherofdaughters]

(Have also posted this in Lincs forum, just seeing if there is any further ideas or advice)

My daughter scored
VR 113
NVR 105

So was 2 points off

I'm putting an appeal together, at her request. I will outline my appeal basis, what I have or will have and I would appreciate any feed back, anything they might counter argue, anything else I could include etc.

Appeal is based on not attaining the required mark.
Mitigating evidence is that my daughter has been suffering with headaches for some time. She is under consultants for this. She had an episode on the day where she had a headache of 8 out of 10 on the pains scale, as opposed to 5 out of 10 as usual. On NVR day.
Her school is a feeder school so I was unaware when I dropped her off and she sat the test as planned. I wasn't aware at the time there was an option to sit at another time if ill and as pointed out in Lincs forum, as the headaches were/are an ongoing issue, it wouldn't be guaranteed she'd not have one on resit day.

Evidence is
Letter from a consultant in March outlining the issues with her headaches, the results of the MRI scan she had to back up the medical evidence of headaches.
A letter from early September '17 for an appointment with a consultant re headaches
A letter also from Sept '17 for CT scan to look at the headaches further.
Both appointments in 10 days of the 11+ tests.

I don't have a letter but I have a prescription for the medication she is now on to help control the headaches.

Her class teacher is writing me a letter outing her ability in the core subjects. Her reading ages. That he'd have expected her to pass, how when her head is exacerbated it has effected her work so believes it contributed to her not reaching the required mark. Then general academic evidence.
Her predicted SATS scores/attainments.
I have asked the head to also write a letter of support whihc I imagine she will do with no issues.

So, there was the stress of 2 appointments over the period of the 11+ which were 80 miles (each way) distance, then the stress of a CT scan that was a couple of days after the 11+ (NVR) She also had an exacerbated headache on the NVR day.
Do I just go on illness on NVR day or the whole package of both tests and the impending appointment?

Any feedback, constructive criticism, how they might counter those arguments etc, gratefully received.

*Although she still does suffer from headaches, she now has medication and they are much better controlled so her work over all is of a high standard consistently.

[Etienne]

Welcome to Appeals!

Appeal is based on not attaining the required mark.

How do you propose to counter the school's case for prejudice if it is oversubscribed?

Your appeal should be on the basis that
(a) the score she achieved was not a true reflection of her ability, and
(b) there are specific reasons for wanting a place at the school in question - see http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeal ... -school#c2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You mentioned on the Lincs. forum that the head will express how she feels the child would benefit from a Grammar education. However, you're appealing for a place at a particular grammar school, so it would help if the head could be more specific.

• • If oversubscription will also be an issue at appeal, it would help to have some support for why this particular school would be suitable (for example, “a keen interest in science” if the school is noted for the strength of its science department. “A very able but vulnerable child who needs the support of a close circle of friends who will be attending the school.”)
    https://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appea ... cation#b48" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Her school is a feeder school so I was unaware when I dropped her off and she sat the test as planned. I wasn't aware at the time there was an option to sit at another time if ill and as pointed out in Lincs forum, as the headaches were/are an ongoing issue, it wouldn't be guaranteed she'd not have one on resit day.

Are you sure that there is no mention in any published information of what to do in the event of illness?
If there is, then
(1) the panel will expect you to have read it - and
(2) where ongoing problems are concerned, you would be expected to have taken advice about what to do.

Do I just go on illness on NVR day or the whole package of both tests and the impending appointment?

I don't know if you will have satisfactory answers for the panel regarding points 1-2 above, but in case not, it would be better to broaden out the argument and include the stress and uncertainty caused by impending appointments.

Hope this helps.

[Motherofdaughters]

Welcome to Appeals!

Appeal is based on not attaining the required mark.

How do you propose to counter the school's case for prejudice if it is oversubscribed?
That’s something I need to look into, Histirically, I don’t believe the school has been oversubscribed for some time. Based on last year, there were 4 available spaces at appeals, but will defo look at it, thank you.

Your appeal should be on the basis that
(a) the score she achieved was not a true reflection of her ability, and
(b) there are specific reasons for wanting a place at the school in question - see http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeal ... -school#c2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hopefully the mitigation of headaches/appointments will substantiate that and I will read the link again too.

You mentioned on the Lincs. forum that the head will express how she feels the child would benefit from a Grammar education. However, you're appealing for a place at a particular grammar school, so it would help if the head could be more specific.

• • If oversubscription will also be an issue at appeal, it would help to have some support for why this particular school would be suitable (for example, “a keen interest in science” if the school is noted for the strength of its science department. “A very able but vulnerable child who needs the support of a close circle of friends who will be attending the school.”)
    https://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appea ... cation#b48" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Brilliant, will ask for something specific.

Her school is a feeder school so I was unaware when I dropped her off and she sat the test as planned. I wasn't aware at the time there was an option to sit at another time if ill and as pointed out in Lincs forum, as the headaches were/are an ongoing issue, it wouldn't be guaranteed she'd not have one on resit day.

Are you sure that there is no mention in any published information of what to do in the event of illness?
If there is, then
(1) the panel will expect you to have read it - and
(2) where ongoing problems are concerned, you would be expected to have taken advice about what to do.

I was unaware she had an exacerbated headache when o left her and want I formed until afterwards, so could argue the school didn’t inform me.

Do I just go on illness on NVR day or the whole package of both tests and the impending appointment?

I don't know if you will have satisfactory answers for the panel regarding points 1-2 above, but in case not, it would be better to broaden out the argument and include the stress and uncertainty caused by impending appointments.

Hope this helps.

Very much helps, thank you

[Etienne]

Based on last year, there were 4 available spaces at appeals, but will defo look at it, thank you.

It's always wise to assume that a school might be oversubscribed.
Even if it appears to be undersubscribed after the initial allocations, the situation could change during the course of appeals as a result of (potentially) successful cases.

I was unaware she had an exacerbated headache when o left her and want I formed until afterwards, so could argue the school didn’t inform me.

I was just concerned that you were going to argue "I wasn't aware at the time there was an option to sit at another time if ill and ......., as the headaches were/are an ongoing issue, it wouldn't be guaranteed she'd not have one on resit day."

I don't know when you first raised the issue of extenuating circumstances, but if you became aware afterwards of a headache during the test, the panel might expect some concern to have been expressed within a reasonable period of time.

Extenuating circumstances in this sort of situation are at their strongest (1) if an invigilator notices something is wrong, or if the child says something to the invigilator, (2) if the parent discusses with the headteacher what has happened at the earliest opportunity, and (3) - in appropriate cases - if there is evidence that the child was taken to the GP at the earliest opportunity.

Try and aim for a well-balanced case. In other words try to avoid a situation where - for example - 70% is extenuating circumstances, 25% is academic ability, and 5% is reasons for wanting or needing a place.

• In my view the most important part of your case will be academic ability.
• Secondly, reasons for wanting a place. (Even if it turns out that the school will not be oversubscribed, it will do no harm at all for the panel to know why a place at this particular school is important for your child).
• Thirdly, extenuating circumstances.

However, excluding evidence, the amount you write for each part should be roughly equal, and I suggest the order in which you present your arguments is:

• • 1. academic case (one-third)
    2. extenuating circumstances (one-third)
    3. reasons for wanting a place (one-third)

[Motherofdaughters]

Brilliant, thank you.

She was under a consultant so taking her to the GP would have been a pointless exercise. She had episodes of these headaches often too so, again, I was a bit blaze. Oh dear, not again, kind of thing, otherwise she'd never have been at school.

I've looked and the one we're appealing to specialise in Science and modern languages, both of which she is currently above standard for so I will include that. Thank you.

[Motherofdaughters]

I'm struggling to write in the supporting statement/reason box of the appeal before I send off.
Teacher has written a letter outlining ability which I'm happy with.
Do I refer back to that? I can't say she's bright as I'm not a teacher but I feel like I'm just repeating what her teacher has written.
Do I pertain to his evidence and then go on to explain how it ties into the extenuating circumstances and how over all this shows although academically worthy of a Grammar school place her 11+ was not reflective. Then explain my reasons in case of prejudice but again, her teacher has touched on these?
Lastly, at the actual appeal, do I read out the same or prepare something different? I'm happy to ad lib but don't want to totally wing it on the day.

[Etienne]

See the Q&As?
https://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeals/general" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

• • A8. How much should I write for my appeal submission?
    A9. And how long should my oral presentation be?
    B21. Could you provide a specimen letter of appeal? I hear that a really good letter will improve our chances.
    E11. letter of appeal – non-qualification
    C18. letter of appeal – oversubscription
    A43. letter of appeal – non-qualification & oversubscription
    B40. letters of appeal

[Motherofdaughters]

Thanks, I had read that but I found it quite vague.
I appreciate know one can give a definitive but any ideas, from either succesf appeals as to what they thought was helpful, or none successful as to what might’ve been helpful in retrospect.
I apreciate the time got room to reply though.

Would a letter from my gp stating the severity of her headaches would inhibit her ability hold any further weight? I have appointment letters from the week either side and of the papers and an earlier consultant letter explaining the headaches in a referral letter too.

[Motherofdaughters]

Ettienne,

Would it be possible to message you a copy of the letter I have comprised to see what you think? I've tried to be succinct but I'm worried I've waffled. I've met with our Head and she thinks all points are valid.

[Etienne]

Ettienne,

Would it be possible to message you a copy of the letter I have comprised to see what you think? I've tried to be succinct but I'm worried I've waffled.

Happy to try and help on the forum but sadly there isn't enough time to check everyone's letter of appeal.
https://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeals/general#a55" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Besides .....

• • “What really matters is the evidence, not what you write or say”. [Q&As]

Would a letter from my gp stating the severity of her headaches would inhibit her ability hold any further weight?

If it adds something that helps your case and isn't already in the consultant's letter - but beware of a GP letter that says "Mrs Motherofdaughters thinks that the headaches would have affected her daughter's ability to perform in the 11+ ......"