invigilator report - appeal advice

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Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Re: invigilator report - appeal advice

Post by Etienne »

Bells wrote:The currently allocated school (2nd choice) is also a very good school. Will I have to compare the two in the appeal
You don't have to. It isn't a prerequisite.
or will the panel ask about it?
They might:
"What can the school you're appealing for offer you that the allocated school cannot?"
I am worried the panel will take the view that DD2 already has a good place
They might. It depends on the panel. If they have to compare cases, I can see a possible argument that a child who has been allocated a failing school 15 miles away might be seen as a higher priority.
Should we only list reasons specific to this particular school, or all the reasons this was our first choice even though the allocated school offers them as well?
Since we can't be sure what view they might take of the allocated school, I think I would list all valid reasons for your first preference.
On a similar subject, is it worth mentioning school specialism? (I think I've read somewhere here that it doesn't matter so much anymore).
    • If putting forward an educational argument that your child has an aptitude for one of the school’s specialisms, and this is one of the reasons for seeking a place, you should be aware that there is no longer any funding for specialisms, and someone might point this out to you at the hearing.
      Check beforehand to see whether the school is still ‘advertising’ its specialism, either on its website or in the prospectus. You’ll be in an stronger position if so.
      You could also argue that the resources and expertise that the school has built up over the years are not going to disappear overnight!

      https://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appea ... school#c34" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Coming back to issues with the invigilator's report - is it in our best interest to not highlight the school's failings in this respect? We will include the evidence and the commentary as advised but I am wondering in which direction I should take this when questioned by the panel.
No need to be critical. I would adopt a tone more in sorrow than in anger:
"Unfortunately the invigilator's report is incomplete ....."
Etienne
Bells
Posts: 70
Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2018 5:54 pm

Re: invigilator report - appeal advice

Post by Bells »

Etienne wrote:
Bells wrote:The currently allocated school (2nd choice) is also a very good school. Will I have to compare the two in the appeal
You don't have to. It isn't a prerequisite.
or will the panel ask about it?
They might:
"What can the school you're appealing for offer you that the allocated school cannot?"
Thank you so much Etienne. I have been overthinking all of this and you have just provided much-needed clarity and some order to my thoughts.


I am not sure if I broke any rules with my previous post; I apologise if I did. Could you provide your expert advice on reasons for wanting the place and academic evidence mentioned below, please?


Bells wrote:Thank you so much Etienne.

It's a great relief to know we can use this in the appeal - which would be the main evidence supporting extenuating circumstances.

For academic evidence, we have Y5 interim and annual reports - greater depth in all subjects.
We have also just received a very supportive letter from Y6 teacher, including a slightly generic but supportive note from the headteacher, YORC comprehension assessment (I am not sure if there is a cap on reading age), and some predicted levels. There were no other formal assessments. Would you be willing to scan over them for any gaps, please?

Reason for wanting the place - mainly sibling link, girls are very close, with no family nearby it's important to keep that bond and support going.
Logistics also play a part, no bus routes around, school is close to DH's job so it works at the moment but having girls at different schools would add significant time for everyone. Can we mention any of this?
DD2 also liked some specific things about the school when we visited, and parts of the curriculum that she has discussed with her sister.

I will see if the school can provide an additional statement in support of extenuating circumstances and the reason for wanting the school. We did talk about it with Y6 teacher but it hasn't been mentioned in the letter. Should this be added to the letter of support or as a separate character statement?
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Re: invigilator report - appeal advice

Post by Etienne »

Bells wrote:Could you provide your expert advice on reasons for wanting the place and academic evidence mentioned below, please?
Sorry, I seem to have missed this.
For academic evidence, we have Y5 interim and annual reports - greater depth in all subjects.
So far, so good.
Would you be willing to scan over them for any gaps, please?
Sorry, but there isn't enough time to deal with open ended questions such as "Please review my case" or "Please tell me what is missing".
Suggestions for academic evidence are listed in the Q&As.
I'm happy to try and answer very specific questions.
Reason for wanting the place - mainly sibling link, girls are very close, with no family nearby it's important to keep that bond and support going.
Because?

There could be some substance to this if you re-state the argument that daughter is very young for her age, lacks the resilience of her peers, and would benefit greatly from the reassurance that her elder sister could provide.
Logistics also play a part, no bus routes around, school is close to DH's job so it works at the moment but having girls at different schools would add significant time for everyone. Can we mention any of this?
If the logistics are a serious problem, and will stand up to questioning by the panel, then yes.
DD2 also liked some specific things about the school when we visited, and parts of the curriculum that she has discussed with her sister.
Vague!
I will see if the school can provide an additional statement in support of extenuating circumstances and the reason for wanting the school. We did talk about it with Y6 teacher but it hasn't been mentioned in the letter. Should this be added to the letter of support or as a separate character statement?
A single letter would be preferable (if coming from the same person), but it doesn't matter too much.
I'd avoid using the term "character statement" because too many schools make the mistake of providing a character reference!
Etienne
Bells
Posts: 70
Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2018 5:54 pm

Re: invigilator report - appeal advice

Post by Bells »

Etienne wrote:Sorry, I seem to have missed this.
...I'm happy to try and answer very specific questions.
Thank you, Etienne! I see where I went wrong :oops:
I understand you must be very busy and I really appreciate you taking the time to read through this and provide very clear advice.
I will try to finalise our appeal case, I just wish I could present it as clearly and eloquently as you do.
Bells
Posts: 70
Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2018 5:54 pm

Re: invigilator report - appeal advice

Post by Bells »

We've had our appeal this week; it's hard to say but I think/hope it went ok.. ish. Regardless of the outcome I don't think there is much more we could have done.

I really wanted to thank experts here, especially Etienne, for the invaluable advise and the fountain of resources this forum offers. I wouldn't even know where to start without you. Thank you!
mini.me
Posts: 56
Joined: Sun Nov 29, 2020 9:11 pm

Re: invigilator report - appeal advice

Post by mini.me »

Well done for getting through it Bells. Fingers crossed for good news. Did they say when you'll hear?
Bells
Posts: 70
Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2018 5:54 pm

Re: invigilator report - appeal advice

Post by Bells »

mini.me wrote:Well done for getting through it Bells. Fingers crossed for good news. Did they say when you'll hear?
Thank you mini.me, it was really nerve-wracking, I am so glad this part is over.
All letters will be sent out at the same time within 7 days of last hearing, so we should know by Friday.
Polgara_Glos
Posts: 460
Joined: Thu May 28, 2020 10:18 am

Re: invigilator report - appeal advice

Post by Polgara_Glos »

Fingers crossed for good news for you Bells.
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Re: invigilator report - appeal advice

Post by Etienne »

Thank you for your very kind words, Bells.

Good luck!
Etienne
Bells
Posts: 70
Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2018 5:54 pm

Re: invigilator report - appeal advice

Post by Bells »

Thank you Polgara and Etienne.
Not long now..
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