Have I done it wrong?

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frustrated
Posts: 299
Joined: Mon Mar 08, 2010 11:28 am
Location: kent

Have I done it wrong?

Post by frustrated »

I have finally put in my appeal letters for GS places, with many reasons why we want the schools concerned but...........I haven't argued the case of why they can accept another child, because I don't yet have the information of class sizes, actual net capacity, etc.

Have I messed up my appeal, or can I argue their reasons later, seeing as they haven't yet presented their case?

All I have done so far is state why we want the particular Grammar schools. Is this enough for the time being? :?
tiredmum
Posts: 1161
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2009 2:51 am

Post by tiredmum »

Well i hope you havnt done it wrong because i have done exactly the same as you :!: :lol:
Sally-Anne
Posts: 9235
Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2006 8:10 pm
Location: Buckinghamshire

Post by Sally-Anne »

Hi both of you

That is fine! You will receive full details of the schools' cases in due course, and that is when you can pick holes in them. You cannot be expected to second-guess whether there are enough computers or toilets to go round.

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

Post by Etienne »

I haven't argued the case of why they can accept another child
You don't have to do this. Indeed, it's probably best left to the panel. Schools more often than not are going to win the argument that to admit another child would cause prejudice. Most appeals are won or lost on the appellant's own case.
Etienne
Alex
Posts: 1097
Joined: Thu Nov 02, 2006 10:10 pm
Location: Lincolnshire

Post by Alex »

You also have to remember that the school's case for prejudice is a general one which applies to everyone and that anything anyone appealing says to try to "dent" that case benefits all the other appellants equally.
frustrated
Posts: 299
Joined: Mon Mar 08, 2010 11:28 am
Location: kent

Post by frustrated »

I also didn't mention his strengths in the schools' math specialism as his academic ability has already been demonstrated through passing his Kent Test, although for one of them, I did mention the science specialism stating that he has a very keen interest in the subject, which has been backed up by by a letter from his school.

There were many other reasons relating to what the school offers that isn't offered at the the non-selective school he has been given that relate to his interests, also backed up by his school. Also that he has friends from school going in September, which hasn't been backed up because I didn't ask :oops:

Am I just panicking here, or would I need to get a further letter from the school to back up the friend issue and his strengths in maths? :?
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Post by Etienne »

I wouldn't attach much weight to the 'friends' argument - unless there's proof that he's vulnerable and in need of their support. (Appeal panels get rather tired of hearing "All his friends are going there ......."!)

Might be worth getting a letter about the maths (and, if they would add that it makes him eminently suitable for the school in question, so much the better!). As it's just a short bit of evidence, you probably don't need to submit in advance - take 6 copies with you to the hearing.
Etienne
frustrated
Posts: 299
Joined: Mon Mar 08, 2010 11:28 am
Location: kent

Post by frustrated »

Thanks Etienne, I'll see what Ican do :)
frustrated
Posts: 299
Joined: Mon Mar 08, 2010 11:28 am
Location: kent

Post by frustrated »

I have now got a letter from his school confirming that he was already working at level 5 maths in year 5, and also excels in science at a high level, so am hoping that these would help my appeal, along with the fact that the non-selective school offered won't give him the same opportunities as the grammar school he wants in order to stretch further.

Is this a strong case now, considering he passed his 11+ and has strong evidence for the schools' specialisms?
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Post by Etienne »

I have now got a letter from his school confirming that he was already working at level 5 maths in year 5, and also excels in science at a high level
Good!
the non-selective school offered won't give him the same opportunities as the grammar school he wants in order to stretch further
Try to avoid appearing negative about the other school - focus attention on the fact that it is the GS that will best meet his needs.

It's a reasonable case (the strongest oversubscription cases tend to have very compelling medical/social reasons). A lot depends on the strength of the school case to resist further admissions, and (probably) on the strength of the other appellants' cases.

Good luck!
Etienne
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