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Sale Grammar - score review/appeal clarification

Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2018 10:03 am
by IzzyB
Hi,

I've been reading lots of the links - which are really helpful - but getting a bit confused by it all.

My daughter scored 332 for Sale Grammar (SGS), with the pass score being 334, so very close. She did pass for Stretford Grammar which is our second choice. We want to appeal/challenge this as this was unexpected, but I want to get clarification of the process. She was sent home unwell just before the weekend before but did say she was better on the day of the exam, but then came out feeling unwell. I did provide a doctor's note to SGS explaining this. In the letter from SGS it states that they automatically review everyone within 13 points of the pass mark, but unfortunately her score wasn't amended. However there were some 400 candidates in this group, so I'd question how carefully and accurately every candidate was reviewed given the numbers involved.

Here's my thoughts on what we need to do based on what I've read so far, but please let me know if I'm missing anything.

1. Write to SGS requesting a requesting a review of the score. Support this with a letter from our headteacher, supporting this - would I need to provide academic evidence at this point? How soon would I need to write to them? It's half term so I don't know when I'll hear from the headteacher to get her backing
2. On the CAF application (deadline next week), I still put SGS as our first choice. Will this impact our chances of getting Stretford?
3. Once we don't get a place at SGS, we go through the formal appeal process, based on non-qualification, but accept a place at Stretford whilst the appeal goes through
4. It is at the point of appeal that we provide academic evidence, proof that she was sent home from school unwell etc.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Re: Sale Grammar - score review/appeal clarification

Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2018 10:21 am
by mitasol
Welcome. :)
1. Write to SGS requesting a requesting a review of the score. Support this with a letter from our headteacher, supporting this - would I need to provide academic evidence at this point? How soon would I need to write to them? It's half term so I don't know when I'll hear from the headteacher to get her backing
You can request a review of the score but unless this is a formal review process then they may refuse to review at this point.
2. On the CAF application (deadline next week), I still put SGS as our first choice. Will this impact our chances of getting Stretford?
All your preferred schools are considered equally and putting SGS first will not impact your chances of other schools. You should list the schools in your true order of preference.
3. Once we don't get a place at SGS, we go through the formal appeal process, based on non-qualification, but accept a place at Stretford whilst the appeal goes through
Yes that seems a good plan.
4. It is at the point of appeal that we provide academic evidence, proof that she was sent home from school unwell etc.
Yes, that is correct unless you have an option to have a review now.

Re: Sale Grammar - score review/appeal clarification

Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2018 1:32 pm
by IzzyB
Thanks so much!
I've tried calling SGS but no luck so far, I'm putting that down to half term. But I assume I can request a review in writing, regardless of whether I get through on the phone.
If they 'decline' my opportunity for review, I will still go through the appeals process.
Thanks

Re: Sale Grammar - score review/appeal clarification

Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2018 4:01 pm
by Etienne
I'd question how carefully and accurately every candidate was reviewed given the numbers involved.
You could perhaps ask (either now or at a future appeal hearing):
What checks took place? What form did the review take?

There are many different kinds of review. Some involve the parents (who are invited to submit evidence), some don't. Some involve the primary school head, some don't. Some appear to be limited to a cursory check (which may be what happened in your case).

I'm not familiar with the school, but if they've already done what they say is their automatic review, I suspect it's unlikely you would have any further option other than an independent appeal in 2019.

If they offer a formal review of the type explained here -
https://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appea ... cation#b18" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- you would probably have been told about it before now.
Will this impact our chances of getting Stretford?
No, it won't. It is as Mitasol has explained.
Our guide to the CAF can be seen here:
https://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/schoo ... n-form-caf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
we go through the formal appeal process, based on non-qualification
Non-qualification, yes - but you will almost certainly have to address the issue of oversubscription as well:
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeal ... -school#c2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeals/general#a43" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
accept a place at Stretford whilst the appeal goes through
Mitasol wrote:Yes that seems a good plan.
I agree.