1. MOVING UP TO SECONDARY SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER 2014

2. THE SELECTION PROCESS More information at www.buckscc.gov.uk/admissions

3. What do the secondary transfer tests measure? Verbal abilityincludes comprehension and vocabulary Numerical abilityincludes problem solving and multi-stage items Non-verbal abilityincludes diagrammatic reasoning

4. Does my child have to sit the transfer tests? No, only if they want to attend a grammar school. Will a grammar school suit my child? Yes, if they are comfortable learning at a faster pace and a greater depth

5. Timeline WhatWhen Preparation tests10 September 2013 Transfer tests12 September 2013 Results published11 October 2013 Preference deadline31 October 2013 School place offers3 March 2014 Start secondary school4 September 2014

6. Familiarisation Booklet (to take home) Explains: what the question books and answer sheets will look like how the answer sheets should be completed Includes: example questions It will not be looked at in school

7. Preparation Tests - 10 September Two tests Exam conditions 35 minutes each CD instructions Each paper - three separately timed topics (Verbal ability/ Numerical reasoning and Non-verbal skills) Not marked

8. What if my child misses the Preparation? Talk to Headteacher to reschedule Transfer Tests should be delayed until the preparation tests are completed Results may be delayed – so… …list both grammar and upper school preferences on your application

9. The Transfer Tests 12 September Produced by The Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring, University of Durham (CEM) Two test papers Taken on the same day Short 15/20 minute gap between the tests Each test - about an hour

10. Marking Computer marked (scanned) One point is given for each correct answer Each pupil will have three raw scores verbal ability numerical ability non-verbal ability

11. Standardisation and Weighting Three raw scores Each is age standardised Weighted and combined to produce an overall result (STTS) STTS and the three standardised scores will be provided in the results letter

12. Qualifying Score STTS of 121 or more

13. Range of scores Standardised scores in previous years between 69 to 141 With new tests range of scores will be wider 40 to 180+ The same percentage of pupils will qualify as in previous years

14. What happens if my child is unwell and misses the tests? Able to sit the tests later Parent told date in advance Children should NOT sit the tests when unwell* * (even if they want to!)

15. Special Arrangements Adjusted tests for children with disabilities Apply via headteacher Discuss NOW! Application must be completed as soon as possible

16. Results - 11 October Sent by letter Handed out at end of school day STTS plus 3 element scores Confirms whether qualified for entry to grammar school

17. How many children qualify? Approx 30% of children score 121 or more At the end of the process and following Selection Reviews, 34% qualify for grammar school

18. What do I do if I think my child might not have done as well in the tests as I had hoped? At the time, collect evidence, for example a doctor’s letter Once you have the test results, talk to your child’s headteacher

19. What can I do if my child does not qualify? Ask for a Selection Review Procedure in the results letter in October Selection Review Panel sits November- January Review outcomes included in 3 March allocation Can still appeal later

20. Non-qualified appeal Possible to go straight to appeal Appeal still heard after 3 March You would have to prove academic potential AND why a place should be offered above number Most schools will already be full by then

21. Whether a qualified child will be offered a grammar school place depends on: Preference order Grammar school admission rules A place being available

22. THE ALLOCATION PROCESS Timelines, Preferences and Offers

23. KEY MESSAGE: Apply on time: 31 October – deadline

24. How to apply ONLINE: If you live in Buckinghamshire visit the council’s website www.buckscc.gov.uk between 5 September and 31 October 2013 If not, go to your own LA’s website.

25. Applying on-line All you need is an email address Email reminders will be sent Resubmit if you make changes 31 October deadline Offer emailed on 3 March Accept the place online There may be issues if using an Ipad!

26. More information: ‘Moving up to Secondary School’ leaflet Schools’ websites In August more information in the Guide available at: www.buckscc.gov.uk/schooladmission

27. Making an application You will be able to: List up to 6 schools, including grammar, upper and out of county schools Put the schools in the order you prefer them Give reasons why you have listed these schools

28. Do your homework! Does your child need to sit or pass a test to be considered for a place at the school? Do you have priority of admission? Do you need to complete a supplementary form? Do you live in-catchment? (Check this on the website) How will your child get to school?

29. School Transport Transport given to the nearest secondary school if: Over three miles away, or Under three miles but the route is an ‘unsafe walking route’ Check on www.buckscc.gov.uk which school is the nearest school to you All secondary schools are treated equally (grammar/upper/comprehensive/free) Discretionary bus tickets can be purchased

30. The offer process – Step 1 Local authorities share offer information All admission authorities apply their admission rules to all the children with the school as a preference Each school preference is treated separately The schools are not told where they are placed on the preference list by the parent The schools tell the ranking order to their council

31. The offer process – Step 2 Where more than one offer can be made to the same child the highest preference is offered The lower preference is declined The lower preference is offered to another child Spare places are offered to nearest children without a school place offered

32. Important notes Only qualified children are offered grammar school places Think carefully about the order you put the preferences in Try to include a local school that you have a good chance of being offered

33. Offer Day – 3 March 2014 Online applicants Offer emails sent 3 March Can log on and accept the school place online Postal applicants Offer letters posted 3 March All applicants Can ask to go on the waiting list, Can register an appeal Have 14 days to accept the offer.

34. An Example Tom has three preferences. His mum lists them as 1. High Town School 2. Leafy Lane School 3. Long Avenue School

35. Step 1

36. Step 2

37. Step 3

38. Step 4

39. Step 5

40. Admission Appeals You can ask for an appeal if your child was not offered a place at your preferred school This includes where your preference is a grammar school and your child has not qualified

41. About Appeals Three independent people Not paid by the Admission Authority or council With no connection to the school You can put your case in person

42. Finally – remember! Apply by 31 October 2013 Apply online at www.buckscc.gov.uk or on your home LA’s website List schools in true preference order Be realistic, understand the rules Consider transport arrangements Visit the schools Don’t rely on the opinions of others

43. Where to get help Web: www.buckscc.gov.uk/schooladmission Email: admissions@buckscc.gov.uk Call: Admissions & Transport Team on 01296 383250