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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

State school Uk vs International school abroad

62 replies

Lentilsandyoghurt · 06/04/2023 12:05

Hey all,

I know not many of you have such experience but I am wondering whether a good state school in the Uk will provide better education and opportunities for my kids or an international school abroad that follows British curriculum is better.

We are not originally from the Uk, we come from a EU country and we may need to good soon back for family reasons.

The kids are still young, primary school kids and have been raised as bilingual.

What do you think will be best for them?

Eventually in 10 years time they will return in the Uk to study as they will follow the British curriculum no matter where we will be.

OP posts:

LiquoriceAllsorts2 · 10/04/2023 07:44

do you/they have British citizenship. It might not be so easy to return if not, can you get dual before you leave?

Original poster

Lentilsandyoghurt · 10/04/2023 11:12

Yes, we all have dual citizenship and British and EU passports.

But apparently having Uk passport doesn’t automatically grand you home uni fees…

OP posts:

Original poster

Lentilsandyoghurt · 10/04/2023 12:20

I feel that the only viable and sustainable way forward for us is to return in Greece and for the kids to adjust to the Greek curriculum.

Brexit has made it so difficult for all Europeans to live and study in the UK.

OP posts:

lanthanum · 10/04/2023 12:36

Chocchops72 · 07/04/2023 03:43

Be aware that if your children are living outside the UK before going to Uni, they will probably be treated as international students. The fees are much much higher. This applies even if they have British nationality, it’s usually assessed on résidence not just nationality.

I was going to mention this. I know someone whose family went back to their home country for similar reasons to you. She returned to the UK for A-levels, but has to take a year out because she needs three years residence to qualify as a home student.

LlynTegid · 10/04/2023 12:40

Sorry I have no knowledge of the Greek education system to be able to offer any constructive thoughts.

MumInBrussels · 10/04/2023 12:58

One thing I would say when considering enrolling kids in a local education system is the extent to which you'd like them to be fluent in English as adults, and the work it would take from you to develop this. Most education systems don't produce English fluency where it's taught as a foreign language, just as the UK system doesn't generally produce fluent French or German speakers...

If you'd like your kids to read and write English to a native level, you probably will need to arrange lessons outside school. Is this something you'd be able to provide? Would you mind if they don't read and write English well as adults? (We've managed to keep up spoken English by watching telly in English and talking exclusively on English at home, but as our kids get older, the written side of things is increasingly obviously an issue. I imagine it would be even more so if they're using a different alphabet at school.)

Original poster

Lentilsandyoghurt · 10/04/2023 13:30

Thanks all!

Yes, we are prepared for private English lessons. This is very common in Greece and that’s why most Greeks speak English very well.

The only other viable option would be to enroll them in an international school in Greece and then let them study in an English taught course Europe but not in the Uk.

OP posts:

mandcharp · 09/06/2023 15:43

If they wanted to come to uni in UK they would have to pay international fees which are at least double. I saw you put that the family are putting emotional pressure to go back...just be sure you are making the right choice for the right reasons - your family unit first! We are in similar predicament having to make a choice as a dual nationality family (no pressure from family though it's to do with work) - I wish you the very best with your choice and admire you wanting to do the right thing by your larger family group. xx

AmeliaG76 · 11/12/2023 18:09

I have experience of UK independent school, UK state school and International school with British curriuclum in the Algarve, Portugal. Hands down, my son prefers the international school and his transformed his confidence, social circle, opportunities and level of fun and engagement. He absolutely loves going to school and has friends from all over the world. Plus, the teachers are really happy as they´re all living in the sunshine!!! Did you already decide on somewhere to go? His school has about 40 nationalities but English is the language they are taught in, by native English speakers, as well as learning the local language. 😁

AmeliaG76 · 11/12/2023 18:10

Greece or Cyprus?

Valeriekat · 11/12/2023 18:38

DominoRules · 06/04/2023 12:11

My kids have been to international schools abroad (British curriculum) and now back in U.K. state school - to be honest overall there’s not much difference between it. International was better for sports/creative side but I would say the state has better foundations for maths and English. I would imagine if they’d stayed at either there won’t have been a huge variation in GCSE results etc

There is a vast difference in the quality of International schools though. They really aren't all the same.

Honeymoon81 · 02/06/2024 10:22

AmeliaG76 · 11/12/2023 18:09

Hi, sorry for reactivating this post. We are moving to the Algarve with our teen daughter. Do you mind telling me which international school your child attend?

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