Latest from Peter Read
4 comments
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Comment Link
Monday, 27 April 2020 17:44
posted by Suhagi
Hi we are currently awaiting to hear what will happen with our appeal, KCC emailed to say that they have some advice and I will be hearing from the school, but the school have said that they have no information and to wait for KCC.
Seems like there is not good communication.
When you say 'written appeal' is likely - do you think that they will give us the reasons why a the school cannot take more pupils and then we have to write back with our case?
Thank you for your pages!
They help amazingly. PETER: The foot of this article details the excessively complicated process to allow this (now expanded) -
Comment Link
Monday, 20 April 2020 15:29
posted by Chris Gomez
Peter, thank you for this. Why are you the only independent commentator on the internet talking about appeals and coronavirus/ Unfortunately, we live in Sheffield, not Kent where there is no-one like you. Will it be different. PETER: I can't understand why there is so little out there; it must be a matter of great anxiety for parents. I am afraid Kent and Medway are different, because of our selective school system that can generate large numbers of appeal. To me this suggests a rough rule of thumb. The more appeals there are, the more likely schools are to settle for a written paperwork procedure. However, my general reservations about video conferencing still apply no matter how many appeals there are.
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Comment Link
Friday, 17 April 2020 14:00
posted by Julie
When do you think the appeals will take place? PETER: As noted below, I have no official standing or contribution to the process, but I would be surprised
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Comment Link
Thursday, 16 April 2020 23:01
posted by Jo
This is a lockdown where absolutely everyone is using zoom, skype, and whatsapp to chat to their family and attend work meetings. It's the only way to do things and so we've all got used to it fast. Not to mention the many zoom pub quizzes and singalongs that everyone is raving about, and that anyone with a phone can enjoy no matter what their income. I think you are underestimating the average member of the public's capacity to use popular apps. :)
Setting up a video conference is easy, and joining it is simply clicking a link. I'm sure some will choose to present a case on paper, but most people these days are well used to video and the popular apps are exceptionally user friendly and work with both phone dial-in and a computer. PETER: Setting up an admissions appeal is a lot more complex than running a quiz! There are the small matters of evidence, the ability to challenge it, and ensuring everyone has their say, which will inevitably prolong proceedings. Just imagine running over a hundred complex grammar school appeals for one school, assuming that all one hundred families are conference confident. What you won;t be able to do is to mix the two methods to provide a fair playing field for those perhaps from disadvantaged families who are unable to participate. Unfairness can lead to all appeals being cancelled and reheard. Yes it can be overcome with mentors but all this takes up valuable time and resources. But we shall see. I have my opinion, you have yours! I am glad you have faith in 'absolutely everyone'
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