12 Plus Transfer Appeal

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12plus mum
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:58 am

12 Plus Transfer Appeal

Post by 12plus mum »

Good Evening,

We have just received our application pack from County Council for the late transfer procedure, We was wondering if anybody who has been through this process can help us??

We had asked to be considered for places at two schools, one in catchment and one out of catchment (but still only about four miles from our home) the only other school we have in catchment is a foundation school and the school operates it own entry testing, we felt we didnt want to put our son through another exam!!

Unfortunately we were not offered a place at any of the schools :cry:

We were hoping that someone who has been through the transfer appeal process might be able to give us some tips on what we need to say at the appeal, with regards to pupils on roll, social and educational needs?? and the kind of questions the panel might ask?

Kind Regards
Sally-Anne
Posts: 9235
Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2006 8:10 pm
Location: Buckinghamshire

Post by Sally-Anne »

Hi 12plus mum

I have moved this post to the Appeals section where you will get a good response.

Firstly though, please read Etienne's "Appeal Q&As", which give fairly comprehensive guidance about the points that you will need to cover.

http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/11plus ... nswers.php

The section you will find most useful is Section C: "Appeals for an oversubscribed school"

Sally-Anne
Fox Bot
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:40 am
Location: Buckinghamshire

12+ transfer appeal

Post by Fox Bot »

Hello 12plus mum

I am in a very similar position with my daughter.

Catchment school is a foundation school and they are not letting anyone take their tests as they have no places at this time.

The two schools that I placed on my list and will be appealing for are 4.7 and 4.9 miles from home.

As I understand it I will need to make a convincing case for both these schools but I fear that one will dilute the other if it is the same pannel hearing both appeals.

I have a horrible sinking feeling as I put my letter together as I failed at the 11+ appeal for a grammar place.

I feel with hindsight that I didn't present strong enough mitigating circumstances as I had very good academic evidence and support.

I don't want to make any mistakes this time as my daughter has worked so hard this year and I really admire the courage it took for her to take the 12+.

So if anyone knows what the pannel expect of applicants please let me know.

Thank you
Guest55
Posts: 16254
Joined: Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:21 pm

Post by Guest55 »

Fox Bot,

Were you allocated a GS place?

If yes - at least you have a fall back position.

If no - the appeals should be heard separately for each school as the PAN will be different. Think about WHY that school is the right one - e.g. does the specialism match your child's interests? Do they offer something e.g. archaeology that you cannot get elsewhere and it this a strong interest?
Sally-Anne
Posts: 9235
Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2006 8:10 pm
Location: Buckinghamshire

Post by Sally-Anne »

Hi Fox Bot

As I said to 12plus mum, please read Etienne's Appeal Q&As.

If you need help on aspects of your case beyond that, please do come back to us.

Sally-Anne
Fox Bot
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:40 am
Location: Buckinghamshire

Post by Fox Bot »

Thank you 55 and Sally Anne

Unfortunatly although she qualified she was not allocated any grammar school.

We were allocated our catchment upper school at 11+ but didn't accept the place and if the government is to be believed (doubtful I know) but this school may have to be closed soon.

I am relieved that the appeals will be held separately as I would have found it difficult to argue that my daughter excelled at maths for one school and then sport at the other !

I have read all the information here,thank you again.

Will I need to provide written evidence of my daughters interests, although I studiously collected them for the 11+ appeal I fear they were probably rightly disregarded.

Will I need to mention that my daughter is currently at an independent school and my ability to sustain this ? I don't want to complain about our upper school ,we just felt that it wasn't for her.

Many thanks
Guest55
Posts: 16254
Joined: Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:21 pm

Post by Guest55 »

You may wish to PM if it's personal but if would be helpful to know where abouts you are in Bucks.

Are you willing to consider any of the GS that have places? Some of these 'unpopular' GS are just as good as the others - obviously transport may be an issue but trains and buses are cheaper than Private schools!
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Post by Etienne »

Will I need to provide written evidence of my daughters interests,

If you are trying to match your daughter's interests with the school you are appealing for, then yes.
Will I need to mention that my daughter is currently at an independent school and my ability to sustain this ?
There's probably a question on the appeal form about current school attended, but if not the panel are likely to ask. You don't want the panel to think you have this as an alternative, so my advice would be to point out that you cannot afford to continue.
I don't want to complain about our upper school ,we just felt that it wasn't for her.
It's usually better just to be positive about the school being appealed for. However, if your local upper school is clearly failing, it wouldn't harm your case to mention this briefly and factually - to make the point that you really have considered every possible alternative.
Etienne
Fox Bot
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:40 am
Location: Buckinghamshire

Post by Fox Bot »

Hi

Regarding other grammar schools I emailed admissions asking if ANY places were available in Bucks last Monday ,but they have not replied yet.

Looking through mainly the internet there seems to be a whole industry dedicated to school appeals . Some seem very legal and very expensive. Is it necessary to understand your legal position ?

Has the fact that bucks have to find a grammar school place for all those who qualify at 11+ but then do not have to find a place for those at 12+ ever been challenged ?

Has anyone ever challenged the so called foundation status of some schools. I only ask as I feel I will be at a distinct disadvantage appealing out of my "catchment".

Thank you again for your help.
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Post by Etienne »

Looking through mainly the internet there seems to be a whole industry dedicated to school appeals . Some seem very legal and very expensive. Is it necessary to understand your legal position ?
No - the system was designed so that you do not need to employ anybody. See Q&As, A11.

I'm not aware that anyone has challenged foundation status or the availability of places at 12+.

In the latter case, it would in fact be illegal for the authority to reserve places for candidates who might be successful in the future. It might be possible to increase the admission number, but any extra places would then be available at 11+, so there would still be no guarantee of a place at 12+.
Etienne
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