Moving to Rugby - advice please

[rugbydent]

Hello,
Finally, after 3years of emotional turmoil, DH and I have decided that I will move out with DS1 (12) and DS2 (8) in July. We?ve really tried, but I can?t keep up the pretence and the stress of pulling off the ?arrangement? (living together but leading seperate lives) is a daily struggle. I find myself becoming resentful and bitter. I really can?t go on like this ? I have to think about my kids? well-being and my own. I?ve explained all to DH and so far, he?s being very understanding, BUT, and this is a very BIG BUT, we come from a very big South Asian extended family, and when we tell his family, they will try and punish me in any way they can (cultural issues - family honor, shame etc).

We aim to have an amicable separation with hard ground rules that we will both stick to. It will be harder for DH because his parents will try to hurt me and manipulate the kids.

It?s such a daunting thought of living life on my own, and leaving all the home comforts/ social acceptability etc, and I'm sure that is what has kept me here for so long, but I have just got to the point where I can't go on any more.

I?ve started researching schools and houses in the Rugby area and would appreciate any advice about the area, where to live, good schools, (no go areas), etc.

DS1 will start Year 8 in Sept and DS2 Year 4.

It?s incredibly hard and overwhelming. I really hope someone on these threads can help and advise on good schools. big breath

Thanks, Rugbydent

I used to live in the area and still have family there. There are fab train links to London - much quicker than those from L Spa. Housing is more affordable too.

A word of warning about Harris, their results are quite weak and apparently they are struggling to cope with the growing number of special needs children attending the school.

Bilton school is improving a lot - new head, new policies, new uniform etc.

Ashlawn is a great school but very big and overcrowded. You need to live within one mile to get in.

LSS is also excellent but you need to contact WCC about getting into the school.

Most primary schools are pretty good - avoid Newbold Riverside and Brownsover Junior though.

Richmond Road is nice - family housing, not far from town/train station/schools so good choice. Good luck

Hi there, TBH, I've opted for Rugby to be close to the mainline station for the days when I commute to London Euston (twice a week). I just want to be able to live within a 10-30 mins walk from the station. I don't want to have to get in a car and drive for another 20mins, as that's what I'm doing now once I reach a Black Country station (my commute to London is currently a 4hr round trip!).

I suppose the other factor is that I'm soon to be a lone parent and will need to be close to the mainline for when the DC travel to see their Dad too.

Bue - someone else has suggested Harris, but the school doesn't seem to perform as well as Ashlawn and Bilton. I know league tables are not the only factor in determining a good school, and I've said before that DS's gut feelings will be taken into account when he comes to visit the school, but I'd be interested to hear your thoughts too. Do you have children or know of anyone at Harris that can give a positive portrayal of the school? So far, I've had a lot of mixed views about it.

On LSS Grammar, I've recieved an email today inviting DS to sit the exam on 28 May, which is v close. I've never bothered with private tuiton, but I hear a lot of parents 'coach' their children through private tuition to get their DC through these entrance tests. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I obviously want my DS to do well, but want to avoid putting him under lots of pressure.

Any advice?
RD

MadAboutChoc - thanks for such a brilliant post. that is so helpful.

So, here's the order:

1. LSS Grammar
2. Ashlawn
3. Bilton

I'm also viewing another house on Penny Lane - a new development with solar panels!! Apparantly, it's a private road right next to Ashlawn school, but that doesn't gurantee a place. It's likely that I'd have to appeal if DS does not get an offer at LSS.

Thanks everyone.

Your DS should go for it re the LSS exam as he has nothing to lose - fortunately the format of the exam is a mixture of maths, English, VR and NVR so lack of coaching should not be a problem although you may want him to do a couple of practice papers before the event.

The order of schools sound good. I don't know Penny Lane but I am it will be fine if its that close to Ashlawn.

*sure

About lack of coaching, my cousin's children have passed the exam without having had any so I wouldn't worry too much if your DS is naturally bright.

Most of my opinions are really based on hearsay! I do know some very nice children who go to Harris, but I don't have children that age and I don't know if the kids/their parents are happy with the school. I'd mainly heard about the issues at Bilton, but it sounds as though things are changing according to more knowledgeable posters on this thread. The other reason I thought Harris over Bilton is that it is much more central, which sounds as if it is a potential criteria for you.

That's fantastic that your son is sitting the LSS exam. Best of luck!

good luck with the move.

thanks everyone. I'll keep you posted.
RD