Further to this discussion, we were offered a place at Gordonbrock last week. We were 8th on the waiting list a few days before the offer was sent so I don't really know how we were offered a place.

I suspect that a place was "found" at one of the schools we applied for by Lewisham to avoid the rigmarole of numerous appeals but clearly the anecdotal evidence of places coming up quickly is true so good luck to all those still waiting.