Appeals

The deadline for submission of appeals is 23 March 2026.

If your child did not meet the required standard to join our school (220) you have the right to appeal. This page is to provide guidance to those who think their child has the appropriate ability level to succeed at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar, Alford.

Parents will be asked to present enough evidence to an independent appeals panel to demonstrate that their child has the ability to benefit from a grammar school education, despite the fact that they did not reach the qualifying score in the test. The evidence should consistently demonstrate high academic ability and it may also include evidence about mitigating circumstances, that explain why your child did not perform to the best of their ability in the tests.

The readiest source of information about your child's ability is likely to be their current primary school. You will need to ask whether the school will feel able to support your appeal and what evidence they will be able to produce to substantiate this support. You may wish to ask the headteacher or class teacher to comment on:

• ability in the core subjects, English, Mathematics and Science
• predicted KS2 SATS level
• current Teacher Assessment Level
• application and ability to work independently
• attendance and any health issues, which may have adversely affected the child's overall performance in the tests
• whether they think that the child's score in the 11+ tests are an accurate reflection of your child’s ability.

• good scores in curriculum tests, high teacher assessments in core subjects and good predicted scores for KS2 SATS tests
• good previous school reports
• a high reading age if the school carries out Reading Age testing
• good day-to-day academic work in your child's school books, especially if the teacher has written favourable comments which reflect on your child's ability
• strongly expressed opinion from the headteacher that your child is suitable for a grammar school education.

You will need to think about whether any extenuating circumstances are sufficient to explain the shortfall in marks. If possible evidence would be helpful to corroborate your information.

Please contact Mrs Alona Duff, Headteacher’s PA, on  01507 462403 if you wish to discuss an appeal before submitting the Appeal Form below.

It may be helpful to also review the local authority guidance regarding appeals at LCC Appeal a School Place which will give further information about deadlines.

• Admission Appeal Form
• Online Admission Appeal Form