Transfer Test AQE 2014-2015

Craftyc

Eastbelfast mum this is a stressful situation for you with it being a bank holiday.
I went to see Priory in Holywood with a friend a couple of years ago. A parent of a year 8 child got up and spoke. They were in the same situation. The board were able to give them a list of schools that had places available and advised them to phone and arrange to look at those schools. He said they had to act fast to get organised but the schools were very helpful. I think they had to accept the place nearly on the spot and had to act fast.
His daughter had nearly completed first year and was very settled and happy.
I am sure they have a procedure set up for children who have not secured a place so please be assured that they will help to find a placement.

Eastbelfast_mum

Craftyc thanks for your help, I got a list from EA , which school is still available for us to choose again, but most of them are over 15miles from us.the only one which I going to choose is breda academy, this is the closest from us. The whole family is so worried. Priory is not on the list this year, do you think I could try to turn up at the school to ask?
Anyone any advice please?

Craftyc

First phone those with availability on the EA list and go to see them so that you can at least choose the one that suits you best from the list.
Then phone those that you want to go on waiting list for. I think that a few weeks down the line after some shuffling more options might become available. People move and circumstances change within families. However, you must make a decision on the most relevant information you have now ie. those with spaces.
It is so very difficult for you but keep strong get well rested and have the list written out in order with phone number of school ready for first thing in the morning. Try not to let your son see how worried you are and try to look positively at the schools you can choose from.
I think the headmasters keep their diary free for a few days to assist people like yourselves... Unfortunately it happens every year.
My heart goes out to you, but I would not waste time turning up at schools unless they have spaces at this point in time as per the EA list. You need to concentrate on getting the best options available before those spaces are allocated and then follow through with the rest.
Sorry but can't really offer any other suggestions. I hope that the headmasters can give you more insider advice tomorrow.

Eastbelfast_mum

Thanks Craftyc, I can't stop crying and blame myself in the last couple days, my family is under dark cloud . But I'll try everything I could . I already put another 4 school on the transfer form and post it this morning , but don't know when I'll get the result back, anyone help and give me more suggestions please????

Mrs_mum

EastBelfast mum so sorry to hear about the position you are in. When you went to the meeting with your child's primary school headmaster to fill in the transfer form, did they give you a photocopy of it? A friend of mine last year had to appeal a decision as when they looked back at the form the primary headmaster had completed, they realised that he had not stated the child was the eldest child in the family. Their appeal worked and their child was given a place at their second choice which was a secondary school (child's AQE score was not enough for a place at the grammar school they had named as their first choice). Good luck, really hope you get a good outcome.

Sparkles41

I would phone all of the schools that you are interested in first thing tomorrow morning. They will be able to let you know if there are any places and if you can go on to the waiting list . I have heard anecdotally that there are a number of families in the same position. Good luck!

Eastbelfast_mum

Yes in our transfer form we did wrote our son is the eldest boy in the family, I can't think of anything I can appeal the decision, may be this year there is a lot of boys apply for Campbell too! Our sccondary school always over subscribe too!
Sad, worried, confused. .....

Mummyglam

Do not give you hope. Firstly you need to secure a place for your child from the school list that you have been given. Then my advice is to ring round ALL the schools and get your child name on the waiting list. I know of others that this has happened to. You are not alone but I am sure it is very worrying for you. All schools have waiting lists and I think that there will be a lot of movement so if your child's name is down on a waiting list you stand a good chance of getting them moved. However, you need to keep in touch with the schools and let them know how keen you are for your child to get a place there. My child was fortunate and got their second choice school but was still really disappointed that they had missed their first choice by a narrow margin. I persevered and my child eventually got the move. Please get on the phone to the schools first thing tomorrow morning, but firstly secure a place from the ones that have availability. I am very sorry to hear of your predicament, but believe me some children will not take up their place and if they do might eventually move for whatever reason. DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE. I did not and I am so glad I did not. Keep me posted. and Good luck in your search to get your child in the best possible school.

Mummyglam

Meant to say do not give up hope!!

Mummyglam

EastBelfastMum, just thinking Campbell in the past took lower than 81. As a matter of interest what two secondary schools did you put? People will all be ringing for places tomorrow make sure you get in there as soon as you can. Have you tried RBAI/Grosvenor/Wellington? All worth a try, I know RBAI often have a lower cut off score. My friend told me that in her childs class someone has got Grosvenor this year with a score of 81. Please let us all know how you get on. It must be a very stressful time for you.