moving from Kent to East Coast/Angus area, help!

[bellydancingmum]

Hi, posted on another board and they suggested that I might find more mums with local knowledge here, can anyone give me some advice, experience of schools etc:

Hi,
My first post on Mumsnet... Sorry this is rather long, but am in dire need of some advice
Wondering if anyone can help. My husband is being made redundant, but they have offered him a job in Scotland. There isn't much else around so we have decided to move. (after 9 years in London and 6 years in Kent, not far from london)

Got about a year to do so (though he will go in September). Thinking of moving the girls up there in 2011 sometime from April to July.

Told them last night and our eldest was very uupset. She is currently in yr 8 and her birthday is in June. She is at a girls Grammar school.

Please can anyone help with the differences in the school system and if anyone knows what the schools are like in the Angus area I would be interested.

I am at a loss to know how to make things easier for her, any advice? She is worried sick about being the 'geek' and 'stuck in a class full of boys doing maths' (as she is good at maths)

My next daughter is in Yr 5 (primary) and is all set to do 11+ this September (yr 6). :-( Will she be still in primary school by September 2011? (she would be in Secondary yr 7 here, her birthday is July).

I feel awful making them move, but we seem stuck, what with the recession, etc. can't afford to turn this job down :-(

[bellydancingmum]

North of Dundee anywhere commuteable to Montrose with a decent secondary school within easy reach. And up as far as Stonehaven. No further north though.

[bellydancingmum]

Thanks,

we are hoping to visit some schools in Angus area and do some house hunting during Kent holiday times.

[Kizzycat]

Sorry not up to speed with English system but I take it they will be late primary, early secondary?
What about Laurencekirk? Good primary and secondary schools, technically in Aberdeenshire but only 10mins drive from Montrose. Just off the A90 that leads to Dundee.

[escorchio]

Hi, just found this. Have you reached any conclusions yet? We made an almost identical move a year ago - from the opposite side of London, and have found the biggest difference is fixed catchment areas for schools.

We are in Carnoustie - cheap houses, refurbished or brand new primary and secondary. About 25 mins from Montrose.

The hardest thing we've found is that people here think it is rather odd that we have opinions on the schools based on results. Most people in this area seem content to base their judgement on the schools on the intake. Be aware of this - it might be that the best school for your DCs is not the one you might hear is "best".

I agree with Butterfly about the flexibility to keep back a year though - we had to move one back (July b'day), but could chose with another, and think in the long run it will be good for her.

[Cookie1982]

Hi all mums. . . . .

If you are meeting other mums over the next few months please tell them about this Baby Sledge....

Ever tried to push a pushchair in the snow? Or on a beach? Ever tried to pull a baby/toddler in an ordinary sledge!? They just fall out! The Baby Luge is perfect with it's seat and safety harness!

It's 71cm long and 36cm wide.

I tried to get one for my baby last year and they sold out everywhere. :-( So this year I've placed a bulk order with the manufacturer making it possible to sell these at £25 each. Please get in touch if you would like one....they're £50 on E B A Y!!
Please Type ?Baby Luge? into the E B A Y search engine to see a picture-once you see it you?ll love it! I think it?s such a good idea! Perfect for getting out and about on snowy days!
And please don't wait until it snows as they sell out as soon as snow is forecast.
If you know anyone else that may be interested then please pass on my details at any baby/toddler meetings/groups! Mum's will love it!!
Also if there are any events in your local area and you would like me to post some flyers to you to give to other mums then I'm happy to pop some in the post!
It is free local delivery to the Hull/York Area. Elsewhere will be £5.99 postage and packing.
They make perfect Xmas pressies for other babies too as most mums don't even know this baby sledge exists!!
I look forward to hearing from you
Linda.

[scaryfairy28]

I am an an education worker for a fostering company but know a lot of the schools in the area your looking at drop me a PM if you need any advice.

[MaryLou1]

Hi I'm moving from Northern Ireland to Montrose in a few weeks time. The GP practices in Montrose all seem to be housed under one roof. Does anybody know which would be the best in terms of their health visitor and a GP that is good dealing with children? Our little girl will be 1 year just after we move. Any information on Montrose/Mother and Tots groups/dentist good with babies would be very welcome. Thanks.