Firstly may I say this forum has provided a great deal of information and really grateful to the admin and parents who have contributed advice. I saw it mentioned parents should start a new thread for advice and support - so here goes.
Our son fell short of the Bucks magic number by a few marks. We were all devastated as visited GS's in Bucks and honed in on one in particular as environment and support seems ideal. Long and short of it: Son had cold on day of exam but insisted on sitting, went to school and they advised he shouldn't sit as not well. School advised we get Dr's note (which we did). Son devastated that couldn't sit exam as geared up to do it - resulted in floods of tears and untold stress levels. DS adamant to go to school next day and sat test (without us being told) with others who missed test. Had said after exam he didn't do well as felt stressed by situation. I know we shouldn't compare to other siblings, but it's only natural. His older brother scored well above pass mark 2 years ago (and flourishing at GS) and the younger one is much brighter academically so can only see this situation as cause for score. Our DS suffers anxiety and has been send supported at school for a while.
We are speaking to head for Selection review process in a few days but just so confused about whole situation. Have read the other threads for advice and they are useful. I guess just need to get on with the process.
Can Head refuse to do Selection Review?
DS is good violin player and part of orchestra (also good at horse riding) - will this help for review?
Do we still put the GS as 1st choice on schools form?
Does Head give copy of review form? and what if we don't agree or feel not supporting?
Are our chances at appeal less if Selection review not successful?

Sorry for info overload, advice welcome. Yours Dazed and (still) confused. Ginni

Welcome - you've come to the right place for help

The advice is that the test should be delayed if the child is unwell so I think you need to find out why he did the test without your knowledge.

Is his Primary a Bucks or Partner school? It would be most unusual for these schools not to co-operate with a review if they feel its the best course of action.

You must name a GS on your CAF in first place so you can appeal later down the line but do note the consequences of a failed review on that option.

Has he sat grades for violin? A grade 5 could help but it's the academic evidence that's crucial.

You don't have to submit the HT form which, yes, you will be given but that might go against you as you'd have no school view.

Have you found all the links by Etienne?

Yes Primary in Bucks. And yes has

Yes Bucks primary. Violin grades passed (not quite up to 5 yet).
Thanks for advice and yes have read (and printed) Etienne links.

Make an appointment with the Head and find out what HT recommendation they gave. Ask how accurate these were too. If the Head doesn't want to tell you how accurate you'll find out later so they can't keep it secret.

What levels are recorder on KS1, Year 3, 4 and 5 reports? Are all above age expectations? What will the H predict for KS2 tests - all this will be recorded on the HT form.

Reading age, CATs, NFER tests are all additional information that could help.

When you said what HT recommendation they 'gave' does this imply they have already supplied Bucks with data? Even before we have spoken to head and formally requested review? and even before results published?

Yes - all Bucks primaries and Partner schools have to complete a form about what they recommend before results are issued. It will help your case if the Head has recommended your child and all the others with the same recommendation have qualified.

[Obviously they might have say the child isn't suitable and the child qualifies but the Head's opinion doesn't overrule the test.]