Slough Grammar Appeal

[langley/mum]

Hi there,i think I'm more bewildered than "Bewildered"!?

Our appeal for failing to pass Slough Grammar's 11plus is 14 feb and on our letter from the Clerk of the Panel it states"The decision of the Appeal Panel as to whether ....... should be offered a place at Slough Grammar School wil be binding on the Schools Governing Body and Headteacher,and will be notified within seven working days"

Does that mean that a successfull appeal means a guarenteed place at SG?

If so that would mean the pupils getting a place through appeal are getting confirmation of their place before the 3rd of march and the pupils
that have passed ?

I know this is a bit of a grey area ,as it is the first time SG are holding their own appeals?

[Catherine]

Hi Langley mum,

Yes it is the fist time. In the past their appeals were for a place in one of the consortium schools.
I also notice that the timing has changed, as the appeals used to be held after allocation day.
The wording of the letter "The decision of the Appeal Panel as to whether ....... should be offered a place at Slough Grammar School will be binding on the Schools Governing Body and Headteacher,and will be notified within seven working days" seems a bit strange as, like yourself, I interpret it as a definite offer that could arrive before allocation day..but I don't know anything more than you on this..

[Alex]

Sounds as if the school has got itself into a bit of a muddle with its new arrangements! The Admissions Code of Practice makes it clear that parents must be told that passing the exam does not necessarily mean they will get a place - therefore, appeals against non-qualification can be heard before allocation date but appeals against not getting a place must be held after allocation. Schools are forbidden to contact parents about the outcome of their applications until after national offer day - "Only the Local Authority can make an official offer". Thus, even in Bucks, where getting through a non-qualification appeal before allocations day guarantees you a place in A Grammar School, it does not guarantee you a place in any particular Grammar School.

[Alex]

Forgot to say also that in block appeals for a place at a school (not against non-qualification alone), all the appeals must be heard before anyone is told the outcome - so the date set should be so many hours/days after the last appeal.

[chad]

i think this is a case of 'bad wording'.

Surely it should read "The decision of the Appeal Panel as to whether ....... should be considered for an offer of a place at Slough Grammar School will be binding on the Schools Governing Body and Headteacher,and will be notified within seven working days"

as the school could be oversubscribed and may apply their criteria.

..... hang on... is the notification just to the school ... not to the parent that would be more believable

[langley/mum]

Hi,thank for everyone's input on this.

I just double checked the wording,chad,it actually states"will be notified to YOU within seven working day of you Appeal Hearing"?????

Still bewildered and feeling out of my depth!

[Guest55]

Alex,

Successful appeals against non-qualification in Bucks are only guaranteed a GS place if they live in Bucks - if you are not in Bucks you may not get a place.

[Alex]

Thank you. Knew this but forgot to clarify.