American mom moving to Derbyshire

[Scorpionflower1]

Hello All,

I'm an American Californian mom of 3 daughters ages 17, 15, and 8. We're planning a move to Derbyshire this summer and I'm looking to learn as much as I can. My DSO is from Derbyshire and is currently there there looking at places. I've only visited the area once before so feel I'm flying blind.

I'm hoping to connect with some mom's in the area who may be willing to provide some insights as to living there. What towns are most ideal for families? Which towns would be most embracing of my Californian daughters and myself? Which are the best schools? I'm a corporate accountant. What areas would have the best career opportunities for my profession?

Any feedback or insights would be greatly appreciated!

Oh there's no way I'd let my kids not complete basic education. It's just matter of sorting out best way to do it is all. Looks like that will be best for her. We're looking into the technical college option for DD2. We're still meeting with the school when I'm over there.

I think moving from California to Derbyshire will be a huge shock. OK for a holiday but to live their permanently and from a warm climate. Shiver! I don't think it's known for over-friendliness either. But everyone's experience is different. Some of the villages are nice to visit.

In South Derbyshire right now. It is absolutely throwing it down. Bring your waterproofs

12 days 19 hours and 42 minutes til my plan is scheduled to take off....I'll be sure to bring waterproofs lol

OP - how was your visit? Did you manage to get the schooling situation sorted?

Parker - we're here now in Burton. We visited UTC in Derby yesterday and spoke to the gentleman who runs their engineering program. We're going to the open house on Wednesday night. They said they would likely have DD2 start a year back with the 14yo's so she can start at beginning of program rather than play catchup. We're going to see what others are around. We took his DD and my DD3 to Stonehenge. He arranged for us to get up close to the stone circle and he formally proposed so that was very nice. We'll be heading up north tomorrow to bring his DD back to her mums and to visit some friends. Monday I'll be back to work on sorting schooling out.

Interesting thread. And congratulations on your engagement!

Quarndon is a lovely village just outside to the West of Derby but within Ecclesbourne School catchment and Duffield...very close to Derby but easy access to Nottingham and Birmingham...

Interesting thread, even though I might be a couple of months late! I'm from Derbyshire, now living in Staffordshire. Both areas are lovely, with lots of National Forest a short drive away, plenty of parks/gardens /houses and museums to visit, as well as several big towns and cities close by. I hope you're managing to find somewhere to live! By the way OP, I have a family member at UTC and they love it there.