Well we did it. We can't believe it. We actually got into the school off the waiting list on Tuesday but found out today that our appeal was successful. We've spent the last 5 weeks constantly working on 3 appeals. We lost one, won one and are still considering whether to go for the third (as his brother goes to this school). Either way ds is so happy to be going to a grammar school. My advice for anyone considering appeal, don't be put off just go for it. I really didn't think we had grounds for appeal at first but after doing a lot of research we decided to go ahead and am so glad we did. Good luck to all still awaiting appeal results.
Thanks everyone for your kind words and for providing us with a mass of information and more importantly kind support. I have made a great friend as a result of this forum who I know will be in my life for a long time. Ooops, better go, am getting a bit emotional!!