Appeal help

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john129
Posts: 31
Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2012 7:30 pm

Appeal help

Post by john129 »

Hi moderators and everyone who joined.

Congrats to DC who were allocated places of their choice.Unfortunately my DS was allocated with his 4th choice.

I am hoping to appeal school which is heavily oversubscribed (catholic school).I have extenuating circumstances which I hoped to raise during my appeal as my DS was baptised much later than expected by catholic community.I already read and read prepared Q&A,but feel that extenuating circumstances are more of the personal opinions of panel members,despite school stating that if circumstances are beyond parental control than late baptism would be taken into a consideration.Where do they draw a line what is beyond parental control as anybody could come up with some reasons.

Any help or directions greatly appreciated.

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

Re: Appeal help

Post by Etienne »

Where do they draw a line what is beyond parental control as anybody could come up with some reasons.
Panel members are often called on to exercise their discretion, and this involves subjective judgements. All you can do is hope for a 'receptive' panel!

You may have seen the general thread on delayed baptism:
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... ed+baptism" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Etienne
john129
Posts: 31
Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2012 7:30 pm

Re: Appeal help

Post by john129 »

Etienne,

Would it be useful to include as a part my evidence Academic support (HT/class teacher) as to why DC should be admitted to a school or just use extenuating circumstances.


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

Re: Appeal help

Post by Etienne »

Is this a selective school? Is the only issue oversubscription?
Etienne
john129
Posts: 31
Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2012 7:30 pm

Re: Appeal help

Post by john129 »

Etienne,

Thanks for your fast responses.

The school is not selective, they do Banding ability test and select % from each Band.My DS is in Band 1.
He also likes maths (G&T) and schools specialism is maths and science.
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Re: Appeal help

Post by Etienne »

OK.

You don't need evidence of general academic ability. However, evidence of ability in maths would be relevant to the school's specialism.

Probably best not to use the term 'extenuating circumstances' because it usually refers to reasons for underperformance in the 11+. Perhaps 'personal circumstances'?

You should be doing two things at the appeal -

1. Asking the panel to take into account the reasons for late baptism.
2. Putting forward reasons for wanting a place at the school. Reasons could include:
    • a) Maths
      b) Commitment to the faith. (I don't know what evidence you had to send in for the admissions process - a form signed by a priest? - Perhaps you could ask the priest to write a letter of support specifically for the appeal panel?)
      c) Any other reasons. See http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeal ... -school#c2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Etienne
john129
Posts: 31
Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2012 7:30 pm

Re: Appeal help

Post by john129 »

I have submitted with an original application " Priest refrence" as a regular church attendance . I was not very keen to submit any evidence regarding personal circumstances but now have no option left but to use them (help and support from Soc.Services,GP's letter confirming marital problems,DC and mother temporarily moved out of marital home...) and thats why we could not manage to baptise any sooner.

Etienne,should I ask HT for his up to date report as well?


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

Re: Appeal help

Post by Etienne »

Etienne,should I ask HT for his up to date report as well?
Not unless it's just to support your reasons (e.g. maths). A general academic report won't be relevant.
Etienne
john129
Posts: 31
Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2012 7:30 pm

Re: Appeal help

Post by john129 »

Etienne, I am really greatful for your advice and time.

I have to see what else could I get to prove that the school in question is most suitable for DS...I might need your help more , once I start preparing presentation..

J
john129
Posts: 31
Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2012 7:30 pm

Re: Appeal help

Post by john129 »

Hi ,

Just wondering is more professional to write my personal circumstances as points and wait to be asked for explanations or to write a short paragraphs for each.


J
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