Move back or stay?

[lul37]

We have been abroad for almost 4 years now. DH has just had his work contract renewed for another three years. My 2 DS are now 7 and 10. We feel quite settled over here with the school and the lifestyle, but I'm at crossroads now that the contract has been extended.

Should I move back with the DC this summer? They will be starting Year 3 and Year 6 in September.

Or shall I wait it out for another 3 years abroad and then we all move back together?

I'm worried if we wait, it will be harder settling DS back into schooling in the UK at an older age, one would be in secondary by then.

What would you do? I'm not personally in a rush to move back at all, especially without DH. But even living abroad, his job still involves an enormous amount of travel, and we have adjusted to him being away regardless.

Personally I would come back before secondary school. Settling in a new school and country half way through exam courses would be a nightmare

Thank you @RuthW, do they usually start their GCSE's from Year 9 or Year 10 in the UK?

Yes I am leaning towards moving back this summer instead of leaving it for another 3 years as I'm worried how my DS1 would adjust mid-secondary with all the changes. Seems to be unfair on him.

It doesn't make it any easier to relocate back now however, I'm feeling very anxious and my younger DS2 who is turning 8 soon is unhappy about this prospect. He loves his current school, I feel so guilty about having to take him out.

I'm not really sure. My dd took GCSE exams in year 9, 10 & 11 but she's 22 now so 6 years ago.