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Original poster

Help! Moving from California with a DS entering Year 11.

85 replies

SaturdaySunday · 03/05/2013 20:16

We are moving over this summer (July/August) and my DS is 15 but will turn 16 in mid-September this year. This puts him entering Y11. We cannot afford to go independent so will be finding a state school.

I had some idea that the secondary school thing there would be hairy, but from another thread am learning just how complicated it really is.

Our son is very bright and performs well on standardized tests but had a rough start as a freshman here this year. Consequently, his transcripts are not stellar and I am assuming he will have to work his butt off since he will be behind the other students in the GSCE. Initially I thought he might be able to start fresh at Y10 but am learning that is not an option in the state system. Again, we can't afford private school.

Any tips on navigating this? It's incredibly hard to figure this out so far away... any thoughts or ideas are appreciated!

OP posts:
dyslexicdespot · 03/05/2013 22:01

I would contact some of the US universities that you and your DS are interested in, and ask them for advice. After all, it is their assessment of his transcripts that will really matter.

Toptack · 03/05/2013 21:55

Some Further Education colleges accept students from 14, eg Hackney Community College in the north of London and Lewisham College in the south. The intake at this sort of college is primarily 16+, after a student has at least attempted GCSEs elsewhere, so it would be an unusual path to take. I think your best bet would be to contact the Local Education Authorities in the areas you're considering to see if there's any flex in the system at all, so your son could enter in Year 10 - I know it's not general practice but definitely worth asking. The American Embassy might also be worth a try for advice. Good luck!

tethersend · 03/05/2013 21:52

Oh, and move to Victoria park; I live there and it's lovely Smile

tethersend · 03/05/2013 21:51

He should be able to get a place- some boroughs will try to tell you that all new Y11 students should be placed in alternative provision; don't accept this. Under the admissions code, if the borough has a mainstream place and you have requested a mainstream place, then they must offer it.

You won't have the pick of the schools, but there is traditionally a lot of movement in Y11, as many schools 'move on' students whose exam results and behaviour are not what they want them to be.

Original poster
SaturdaySunday · 03/05/2013 21:47

we will be in the UK for a minimum of two years. as of now, he would like to go to university back in the states.

OP posts:
dyslexicdespot · 03/05/2013 21:43

He could still have a social life and you would not have to do all the actual teaching. Open university has lots to offer HS teens.

I think the real issue is, where you would like him to go to university and how long you plan on being in the UK.

Original poster
SaturdaySunday · 03/05/2013 21:16

We are American.

Considering neighborhoods of Stoke Newington or Victoria Park, and Greenwich at this point.

Homeschool is an interesting thought but not a good/realistic option for neither he or I . He needs the social life and I'll be with my other DS (age 2). We also have a DD who will be entering Y1.

OP posts:
mummytime · 03/05/2013 21:06

Actually Home school might be a good idea. Inter High or Brite school might help, or National Extension College.

dyslexicdespot · 03/05/2013 20:57

Would you be willing to home school him?

mrsXsweet · 03/05/2013 20:53

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