Looking for the best place to live and schools

[Aussiemover]

Hi
I am starting a new job over in Brislington in January; however, we will be moving there at the start of December. They are finding a job for my husband as well (Both teachers). We are from Australia. I don't know if we will have a car yet due to insurance costs. I have two sons. One will be 11 and one 18. The 11 year old (turning 11 in Nov this year) will need a good little school to attend until September: at which point I think he will have to start highschool in England?? He has High Functioning Autism and needs a good school with clear routines, boundaries, nice teachers and students. He is quite smart but can get easily distracted in class. Therefore if schools are based on catchment areas - that will be important. I would like a safe suburb where my son could possibly ride a bike around and a park nearby. It would be good to have restaurants, pubs and clubs nearby too. I would love a house by itself but I don't think we can afford this. We have set our budget at under 1000 per month. We don't want to live in the city either. Any suggestions for nice little boroughs that are big enough for shopping and recreation as well. Good restaurants and funky things to do. Thanks in advance.

Unless you arrive by October you will miss the deadline for secondary applications for year 7 starters in 2019. After that the process may vary slightly depending on the area as to how they deal with late applicants and at what point they may be able to allocate your dc a place. It is likely you will have less choice than on time applicants which may mean a longer journey or less "good" school. Would your job fund an agent to do research for you into housing and schools?

Hi LIZS Thanks for the reply. That's a pity. I didn't know there was a deadline for applications. I don't think they would accept an application from Australia as they will need an address etc. My agency that I am going through may help with research into schools etc; however, they are focused on the bunch starting in September. I was meant to start in September but had to put it off until January unfortunately. I will ask the agency. I hope I can find a decent suburb and school for my son. I wonder if my son would be able to attend the academy that I will be working at? That may be an option too

Do you mean Brislington in Bristol? Sorry not sure where you mean. Might be worth contacting the local council or website about schools.

Hi We want to live within a close radius to Brislington. That's where I will be working. Not sure where husband will have a job though yet? Just trying to research good and 'not so good' areas and school...or desirable places to live so I can keep an eye out. Thanks for helping too

Hi LovelyBath77. Yes Brislington on the outskirts of Bristol. Thanks

Places at the good schools will be long gone by December. You're not going to be in a position to choose, so catchment areas aren't really important - they won't affect what school you get. You'll have to take what you're given - may be a less good school or very far away.