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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to turn down Australia job offer because son has started A levels?

241 replies

FergussSingsTheBlues · 10/09/2026 07:57

My husband has been offered a job in Australia. Neither is us can find full time work in the uk and we know we’ll need to sell our house in two years if this carries on. We are relieved to say the least. We’ve both lived abroad plenty so it’s something we know we can deal with.

The problem is my eldest son has literally last week just started a levels.
There are zero schools or colleges that do a levels where we would be going, it’s all IB.

Boarding won’t be an option or living apart, we’re a very close family and would find that traumatic.

Has anybody else been in this position? I don’t see how we can make this work because of education and think we’ll have to turn it down. (We know he’d be allowed domestic fees for university but I don’t know further information). My son is bright and hardworking and we don’t want to wreck his prospects

OP posts:
boatyardblues · 10/09/2026 08:18

IB is well recognised and accepted by UK universities, as well as internationally. Why are you so set on Alevels for your son? He’d be better off switching to IB now in the UK so he can transfer to an Australian school and pick up where he left off.

StandFirm · 10/09/2026 08:16

FergussSingsTheBlues · 10/09/2026 07:57

My husband has been offered a job in Australia. Neither is us can find full time work in the uk and we know we’ll need to sell our house in two years if this carries on. We are relieved to say the least. We’ve both lived abroad plenty so it’s something we know we can deal with.

The problem is my eldest son has literally last week just started a levels.
There are zero schools or colleges that do a levels where we would be going, it’s all IB.

Boarding won’t be an option or living apart, we’re a very close family and would find that traumatic.

Has anybody else been in this position? I don’t see how we can make this work because of education and think we’ll have to turn it down. (We know he’d be allowed domestic fees for university but I don’t know further information). My son is bright and hardworking and we don’t want to wreck his prospects

The IB is a highly regarded qualification which leads to university offers both in the UK and around the world so that's not a concern. I'd even say it's better than A Levels. I'd be more worried about being classed as an overseas student and having to pay overseas tuition fees.

Moominhug · 10/09/2026 08:15

Could online school be an option? What does your son think about it?

TheSandgroper · 10/09/2026 08:13

Further to my links above, there will be loads of opportunity to make friends. Home schooling is quite formalised here so there are study groups he can join and all sorts of sport.

Fiddlesticks1 · 10/09/2026 08:13

IB is now a popular route. How does your son feel? Great opportunity for you all. Go.

bluebirdssing · 10/09/2026 08:05

I think your husband should go and travel back. If he doesn’t then get another job here you can work out what next. Depending on what your son wants to do if he goes with you he may face oversees fees here too if uni is the route he wants.

LittlePetitePsychopath · 10/09/2026 08:05

I don’t think you can just turn it down if neither of you can find work here and you’ll lose your house in two years if it doesn’t improve. There doesn’t appear to be any indication that the job market is going to have a significant upturn…

What does your son say? Would he be happy staying? Or doing them remotely and coming with you?

What about your husband going alone, and either you travelling out to him or him coming home once a quarter?

greatestofallfine · 10/09/2026 08:05

Personally, I wouldn’t, even if your son was up for it. It will be massively disruptive to his education at this stage. He’ll also need to make a completely new friendship group. I’d prioritise stability for him at this stage. I know it’s an extreme solution, but could your husband accept the job, get started and you and son move over in 18months when his A levels are finished.
Would your son be able to go to Uni is Oz (visa, affordability)? Would he want to?

Whyherewego · 10/09/2026 08:04

Is your son dead set on A levels? IB may be a great option for him? I would say that if he was up for the move you should seriously consider it

TheSandgroper · 10/09/2026 08:04

Are you prepared to say where this job is? You will hopefully get more targeted information rather than a bunch of randoms (who do make some valid points).

Dexternight · 10/09/2026 08:03

Ps. Like the poster above said it could take a long time before you actually move in which time if you stay behind a bit longer his Alevels will be over.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 10/09/2026 08:03

Can your husband go alone? Can you do more research for your son’s education? I think term times are different out there aren’t they?

Dexternight · 10/09/2026 08:02

I honestly wouldn’t turn it down just yet. I’d look very seriously at an online A level option for your son. If he’s only just started, perhaps he could continue with his current subjects remotely, or transfer to an online sixth form that offers the exact A levels he is doing. That way you could all go together rather than having to separate the family.
And I would definitely get proper advice about university fees before making a decision. If your husband’s job eventually leads to permanent residency, that could make a huge difference. Australian permanent residents are generally treated as domestic students rather than overseas students, and permanent residents can be eligible for Commonwealth Supported Places.
If you were only there on a temporary visa, though, your son could be classed as an international student and potentially face overseas fees, so the exact visa your husband is being offered is really important.
I’d speak to the employer about the visa pathway, contact a few Australian universities and, at the same time, investigate online A levels. You might be surprised at what is possible. If the UK situation is becoming financially difficult for both of you, I’d want to explore every option before giving up what sounds like a really good opportunity.

Meadowfinch · 10/09/2026 08:00

I think your dh should negotiate flights home once a quarter and live remotely for the duration. By the time his visa is sorted, it would be about 20 months.

MotherofPufflings · 10/09/2026 07:59

What does your son think? Is he up for it?