AQE Exam Results

Stu247

Cut off for Carrick Grammar was 97 from what I can gather.

flymetothemoon_2

Stu247 wrote: »

My son got 96 and did not get into our top 2 grammar school choices despite having an daughter at choice no.1. Am gutted !
He's ok about it...wish I could say the same...Catriona Ruane best stay out of my vicinity.

Stu247- so sorry to hear that your son did not get a grammar place with such a good score. He did deserve one. Clearly, he is good enough for a grammar - and that is the main thing but then I'm sure you know that. The whole system is a lottery and I couldn't agree more with your remark about Ruane. I only hope that a better way will be agreed very soon to save all this stress for others - especially the poor P7 kids who now have to go and sits tests in strange environments - it definitely is harder on them than the previous system where they sat the tests in the familiar surroundings of their own primary schools. Your son will do well wherever he goes - good luck to him.

butterflymum

Goodness, anyone with children due to sit their AQE test this year at this school and considering a place at this school for their child from next year, will no doubt be concerned to read the news:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-13812387

but at least they may find that the news will hopefully see a concerted effort made to improve the situation over the next 12/18 months.

However, parents of pupils who have recently chosen this school with/for their child/children from this September, will no doubt wonder why an indication of the failings has only been made now, after their choices have been made.

For any in this situation, I do hope you can see beyond the 'headlines' and that if your child/children hear of the problem, you arm yourself with as much information you can about how and when improvements will come about, so that you can re-assure your child/children that the choice you have made for/with them is for the best and that changes to improve the situation will, hopefully, come about swiftly.

Many of us here will, I am sure, feel for you and wish to support you, as this news breaking now is dreadful timing.


Edit:

I've checked their website and, to their credit, the school in question have issued a statement on the matter and made assurances that changes have already been undertaken and/or planned and are apparently writing to parents in next few days.

Leanne78

My daughter sat both the AQE & GL tests. She got 94 AQE & C1 GL. She really wants to get into B.R.A. but the highest score they accepted last year was 97. However some people are quoting online that they accepted 94 so I am now confused.
I was thinking of applying special circumstances as my mother was terminally ill for 2 years and passed away 6wks before my daughter sat her 1st test. She also accompanied me every day to the hospice for my mums last 2months. She brought her practice papers with her to study but god love her trying to study while watching her beloved grandmother deteriorate in front of her. She also helped me with her little sister when I was busy with her granny so you could say she had a lot to deal with before sitting the tests.
Do you think that these circumstances would fall under the special circumstances and also whether schools would take them into consideration?

Leanne
"nervous mum"

Mollykins

I'd say yes Leanne. Some people try to claim their cat being sick as special circumstances. Seriously. Hope it works out for you.

KiloLima

If you are sure BRA is the right school for your daughter you should speak to your primary school principal about applying under special circumstances. The transfer form can be submitted with your daughter's Inca &/or NFER scores for the last number of years which the admission's committee of the school to which you apply will instead of the transfer test score. Sorry about your mum. That's really tough.

Skulmartin

Can anyone please explain what these bloody AQE scores mean? My son got a 105 and is hoping for a place in Regent. Last year they took children with scores from 100 up. I am told however that this can change radically every year. Am I correct in thinking that a 100 score is the average????

tightass_2

My daughter got a score of 100 and am not sure where we stand either. I think that it is a very good score and all of her classmates were clustered in and around that same score. Anyone actually know what that average is and what sort of score grammar schools are taking on this year?

Skulmartin

Hi Tightass.

The schools last year where accepting form as low as 94 in some places. I sont know what that means. I heard that there were less schoolchildren this year to make up the places available whcih may affect it overall. What schools are you hoping for?

tightass_2

We are hoping for Down High as it is our only local grammar school, dont want to be sending her off to Belfast everyday, surely a score of 100 is good enough!