Hi All,

My daughter took the 11+ entrance exam last year for entry this year and missed the criteria by 5 marks.

We have the appeal this week with the opportunity to present a statement for why we are appealing.

She has been at greater depth since year 1, with her being in a select advanced group for Maths. She did well in the mock tests at home and sat a private exam, with no issues and scored highly.

On the day, nerves got the best of her and in her 3 exam elements, her lowest score was in Maths - we firmly believe this was nerves.

Ultimately I have written what we would like to say on the day of the appeal but looking for any tips on what to focus on.

Thanks in advance

Start here:

viewtopic.php?f=35&t=35032

Many thanks kenyancowgirl.

We have an excellent letter of support from the Headmistress at my daughter's primary school, highlighting her capabilities, previous internal results, greater depth prowess etc.

Is there anything on the day that we should take/have in support apart from reading a statement of why we think our daughter didn't perform to expected standards on the day (as I stated previously, nerves but settled down for VR and grammar and scored well there). Local secondary is fine - my wife attended there and we would be happy for to go there but not first choice. Do we mention this in appeal or leave out completely?

She is category 4 - she is baptised Catholic and attends Catholic primary but we live outside catchment area.

This was the only entrance exam she took (people recommended entering all and sundry) as this was the school we wanted for her.

Apologies in advance for all the questions but just want to have the best shot for her

I'm not an expert on appeals but...General advice is always focus on her academic ability first and foremost. If they ask you why you think there was a shortfall express that you can only think it was nerves on the day, and as she settled into the test she improved, but that it was very unexpected, as you hope they can see form the head's recommendation. It would also be worth a nod towards why this particular school. The positives and specifics that make it the right school - sorry - no idea but am assuming because you have mentioned Catholicism, that it is a Catholic Secondary and you are practising Catholics (and have provided a reference/application support from your priest?) But is there anything else - for eg is it a specialist science school and she has always wanted to be a vet (that you can evidence) or a specialist music school and she is a concert pianist (I'm being facetious, but hopefully you get what I am saying!)

Try not to be negative about the school you have been allocated (you have been positive up thread, I know!) - I would probably not mention that school too much - focus on her academic, a nod to the nerves as a kind of extenuating circumstance, and why the school is the best fit for her.

Thanks kenyancowgirl - really appreciate your comments on this and reassurance that we are headed in the right direction

So my wife and I attended the appeal yesterday. Found it very relaxed, the person representing the school was very pleasant and shook our hands on entry and departure, wishing us luck.

The panel were all very welcoming and no challenging questions, which was a surprise having read others comments elsewhere. One question that we did find surprising was that we had only applied for one GS, when there were additional GS in the same catchment area, although we don't live in that one anyway.

We asked some questions around previous years pass marks and my daughter would have passed the criteria last year by a significant amount.

Still don't hold out much hope for success but feels good to know that we have tried to change the situation.

Just wanted to share so that people know that there is hope and not every appeal hearing is gruesome.

We now have to wait until the end of next week to hear!

Good luck Fazz71.

Maybe you could share your appeal experiences on this thread https://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/11plus/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=9205. I found it extremely helpful when we had to go to appeal.

Fingers crossed for you.

Thanks BucksBornNBred - will do

Good luck with the results.