Gretol ds also had to drop his expectations and change A level, he did a Sports Btec instead of Business A level. And he has received a Distinction* for it instead of the E he was predicted for Business, so it has proved a real tonic for him, and he worked really hard for it, which was important for his self esteem. Subjects/method of qualification can make all the difference.
Open days in the summer are great fun. Some unis include a city tour (as well as the obvious uni tour) so it really does become a day out, and you learn a lot about the UK as well as about unis!
The children's grandmother has died, but it is all very peaceful here, I think when Dh comes back though it will be hard for him worrying about his Dad (in another country) the children are being so touchingly grownup about it, and earnest, they were clearly mentally preparing for this moment, even if they didn't know that she had died last week, when she died. My mum is very much alive though so it feels quite unreal.
Hardwick a lovely picture in my mind of your daughter setting off, my dd is the same this morning (she went upstairs twice to change her mini skirt to the right colour, and told me her fake tan was beginnign to wear off, very cheerfully - off to revise in the public library, but clearly going to meet friends as well)