11 Plus Exams Forum

Hi, I was wondering if anybody can help us. We have just been through 2 unsuccessful appeals for Grammer school for my daughter. She had failed the 11+ on an untypically low maths but passed the other 2 papers. There were mitigating circumstances. The appeals were fully backed by her school with her past inhouse tests for example reading age 15.1yrs (Edinburgh Reading test) sats yr 5 summer 2006 maths 4a, reading 5. The appeal was also checked over by a friend of the family who is high in the education system who said there was nothing more we could have added to the appeal. She failed due to insufficient evidence to suggest that the 11 + result was not typical. The school has said that they expect her to get level 5 on all subjects this summer in her sats, the level required of a grammar school pupil. Is there anyway we can overturn the appeal process if her results show that she has obtained these grades? We are considering the Onbudsman as there were problems with one appeal.

It's a sad fact of life that if you pass the 11+ no-one cares what your predicted SATs are, but if you don't three level 5s and a high reading age are not necessarily enough to convince. I'm not sure that this is a case for the ombudsman, although Etienne might have some advice here. (Move post to Appeals??)

Your daughter sounds very similar to ours - very strong in English, Maths a (relative) weakness, missed 11+ by smallish margin. We tried to play down the 11+ stressing that it didn't test a lot of the things she excelled in (creative writing, for one).

Do you have a good alternative? Our daughter is at a good comp and loves it - top in almost everything (except Maths!), on the G&T register, known as the class 'boff' (but in a friendly way). Loves all the extra-curriculum drama, etc.

I understand that a good alternative might not be available, but don't think that only a grammar will do for a bright child. Sometimes the comp system works well for these children and really boosts their confidence.

Jed

Sorry to hear this - no there is nothing you can do should she get 3 level 5s.

Perhaps the 4a was the 'blip' in your evidence - how close was she to a 5? Did you offer statistical evidence on the proportion of children getting 4a or better?

Get the notes and see if there is evidence for the Ombudsman route - but it does take time.

Good luck - perhaps you should also post in appeals section as more people visit that section

Don't worry ! Hopefully she'll get through. At this point of time you sould find a backup school and pray that your daughter achieves 3 level 5's including maths. But think if your daughter goes to a grammar school will she be able to cope with the maths there ?
My Prayers and Luck are with you
Jo

Also remember that in last year's KS 2 tests 33% of children nationally got a level 5 in maths, 32% in English and 46% in science. Most grammar schools look to take the top 10% -25% of the ability range. Getting 3 level 5's doesn't necessarily but you in that bracket. Of copurse, it may also reflect more on the quality of teaching than on the potential of the candidate.

Our Year 6 daughter's just the same!! We would have preferred her to follow Year 10 daughter to Grammar; but she's looking forward to starting at our excellent local Language College in September.

Good Luck with finding a good alternative.

Ditto what Jah just wrote.

Hope the Comprehensive choice we've made for our youngest daughter will be a good one

Only time will tell.

Actually I think she will relish being near to the top of class at this school, instead of perhaps struggling slightly at big sis's grammar.

By the way just had oldest daughters first parent tutor interview at grammar and she is statistically in the top 2% for learning ability in the country for her age group! I'm shocked! lol (some Durham Uni Test?)

Footymad xx.