Review Process and whether it's worth going to appeal

[Suet33]

Trying to decide whether to appeal - any input would be helpful.

11+ Score was 115

Head Teachers Score was 2:1

SAT scores were as follows:


Subject KS1 Y3 Y4 Y5 Y6 (predicted)
Reading 3c 3a 4c 4a 5b
Writing 3c 3a 4c 4a 5b
Maths 3c 3a 4c 4a 5a

There were some extenuating circumstances – these were noted as considered and this was acknowledged in the clerk’s notes.

The reason for turning down review was ‘only moderate support from H/T’

It went to the moderator – who also rejected it and said ‘Poor progress throughout KS2’ and ‘Evidence of progress in line with score’. They also noted the ‘mitigating circumstances’.

I would like to appeal – with the information above would I have any grounds on the ‘fair, objective and consistent’ rule?

I would appreciate any candid advice – whilst I would love to fight this there is a stress element that makes me want to consider my decision very carefully before jumping in with both feet!

[Booklady]

It went to the moderator – who also rejected it and said ‘Poor progress throughout KS2’ and ‘Evidence of progress in line with score’. They also noted the ‘mitigating circumstances’.

How can that be a reasonable comment? Going from L3 in KS1 to 5a/b and of Y6 does not seem like 'Poor progress' on the basis of their own comments.

This process seems so entirely random in some cases when you look at who has got through on review and who has not that it cannot be FCO can it?

I am sure Sally Anne & Etienne will be along to comment soon. We are in a similar position if you follow my thread - what we ultimately do will depend on what is allocated on Monday!!

[Suet33]

That's what I'm trying to work out. From my calculations of Ofsted guidelines this would be 'average' at worst and, depending how you interpret it, it should actually be 'better than average' (using the 3c as a base from KS1 rather than just a 3, which I believe is what happens from Ofsted reporting rules).

Need to find someone with more knowledge of this really to clarify - anybody??

[heartmum]

I'm with Booklady, how can your DCs progress be 'poor' ... the review process to me is more like a 'tick box' exercise and random. Sally-Anne/Etienne are such great help/support, the 'gems' of the appeal thread x x x

We will be going to FCO/Appeal and yesterday spoke to someone who took this route, lost out at FCO but did get through on Academic Appeal/oversubscription (a very small % managed this and she was one of them). She said although the panel believed at the time the decision of the review panel was fair based on academic evidence given at the time, events after that date (her DD jumped up more levels in her Maths than initially predicted by school; plus additional medical evidence was put to the panel). The academic appeal panel agreed that she was academically able and suited to grammar. She is now in Y8 and loving every minute. She said it was a horrible, stressful time, on the verge of tears and had to stop herself breaking down at one point in the appeal (whom she said were very understanding when she had to stop, compose herself before carrying on) - but for her, a year on, with her DD being so happy it was worth it.

[Etienne]

Maths (up 3 sub-levels in a year) looks a bit optimistic. Ideally you'd need a letter from the school to elaborate on that, e.g. "Fantastic progress made this year, and we confidently predict 5a".

Even if the predictions were 5b x 3, that would probably be acceptable for an appeal.
However, you need as much evidence as possible:
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeal ... cation#b11" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The reason for turning down review was ‘only moderate support from H/T’

I assume that's based on his comments rather than on 2:1. Nothing wrong with 2:1, unless a high proportion with 2:1 at the school didn't qualify.
Might be worth politely asking the headteacher what he thinks of the moderators' remark. Perhaps he would be willing to write an even more supportive letter for an appeal?
Bearing in mind that a '2' = “Very able so recommended without any reservation”, any further comments from the headteacher should match that definition, and be equally strong and supportive.

I would like to appeal – with the information above would I have any grounds on the ‘fair, objective and consistent’ rule?

You don't need "grounds" for 'fair, consistent & objective' - it is for the admission authority to prove that the process was FCO, rather than for you to disprove it.
Suggest you just ask some of the questions about FCO set out in Section D of the Bucks 'How to appeal' thread.
Here is the link to last year's version:
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... 12&t=36418" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
We shall be posting the 2015 version at the weekend, so keep an eye open for it.

I would appreciate any candid advice – whilst I would love to fight this there is a stress element that makes me want to consider my decision very carefully before jumping in with both feet!

It's bound to be stressful, I'm afraid, but the golden rule is - "If in doubt, appeal. You never know what might happen!"

[Guest55]

KS1 level 3 is not subdivided and Ofsted take it as a 3b.

Expected progress would be 3b to 5b - so it is not 'poor' but neither is it 'good'.

[Suet33]

Thank you everybody for your helpful comments.

Looks like we are about to jump in with both feet - wish us luck!!!

[Suet33]

So ... just trying to write a letter for the appeal and need some guidance.

Do I need to mention why we feel the turn down at review was not 'FCO' - presumably some mention needs to be made of that to illustrate why I am now taking the next step of 'appeal' to the school?

Or do I just need to keep it all on the positives (evidence of academic ability etc) and not mention the review decision?

How much do I need to say about the actual school I am appealing for (is it sufficient to keep it general - ie will offer best environment - or do I need to quote some specifics - ie maths specialist?)

GOSH - how complicated!

[Moderators]

If you take the trouble to read the 2015 'How to appeal' guide mentioned above, all your questions are answered there or in the links it provides.

http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... 12&t=41358" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Suet33]

Thank you - have read loads of bits from your website - but had missed that particular page.