11 Plus Exams Forum

Hi, my son has just heard that he has achieved a score of 118. He is v sad. He has been achieving a constant level 4 and high level 4. The thing is his headmaster has said that he has improved so dramatically in the last 8 months that he came from nowhere to be a likely pass. I dont know if the school will support him - I would like to think so but he is a talented dancer and is also trying for the dance schools, I am worried that they have written him off. But if he doesnt get into one of those, he really wants to go to grammar with his friends. Do you think it is worth trying for appeal? Is it likely that he will be considered if he hasnt had level 5s? thanks

Hi lscott

I'm sorry the result was so disappointing for you and your son.

It sounds to me from the Head's comments as if you are likely to get the support of the school.

High Level 4s are really pretty good at this stage, and an argument commonly used at an Appeal is "recent progress".

If you can demonstrate your son's progress over the last 8 months through good academic evidence and school support, then an appeal is certainly worth trying.

Sally-Anne

thanks, I will talk to head on monday and see what he says. Our boy is also v young for the year - end of August baby and was a month premature, so in theory should be in the year below. Not sure if that is something that we should raise as I know they balance the scores out for age and I dont want the response to be 'wait another year then!' thanks so much for your help

Yes I do think a premature birth is relevant here - especially as he 'should' be in Y5.

Hi lscott

I agree with Guest55 - the late birthday plus prematurity is a very important part of the case, along with his recent progress.

Please continue to do your research (especially, read the Appeals Q&A - link at the top of the page) and talk to the Head. You might like to tell him that "experienced others" have made the points to you about the birth date and recent progress, because it might persuade him to support your case.

If you decide to Appeal, and once you have drafted your letter, I am happy to look it over via PM, because I have some very specific recent experience of both those key points that may be useful to you.

Sally-Anne

N.B. Would other readers please note that Etienne and I do, very occasionally, offer to support people with their appeals via PM. However, our time is very limited, so please continue to post on the Forum wherever possible.

If you feel, after reading the "Announcement thread" at the top of the Appeals section, that you still need appeals guidance via PM, please post your request on the main Forum, and we will sort out between us who is best placed to answer your request.

We would prefer that to receiving unsolicited PMs.

Thank you!

This discussion - a year ago - might be of some interest:
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... php?t=5411

thank you very much for all the advice and support

Etienne wrote:This discussion - a year ago - might be of some interest:
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... php?t=5411

Dearest Etienne

You never fail to impress me with your encylopaedic memory of past cases!

S-A