Moving to back Edinburgh from London

[MrsOnslow]

Hi Mumsnetters, I would really like to ask your opinion on whether my family should consider moving back to my hometown of Edinburgh... I have been in London 25 years now and live in South London with my DH & two sons 16 & 12. Both my sons have ASC. The oldest boy is in a provision within a mainstream school and sitting his GCSEs. He is well supported at school and by our local Cams but if he doesn't make the Grades will have to move elsewhere for sixth form. Don't know where. Husband is main bread winner and has been made redundant with no job prospects on the horizon. His area of Financial Services seems to be making cuts everywhere.
Is this a sign that we should make a move ?
Pros :
I have family in Edinburgh that I am close to.
It's beautiful.
House prices more affordable.

Cons :
Would my sons get in to a good supportive school?
How would they cope with moving ?

Aargh why is life so complicated? If someone could tell me what to do I'd be very grateful.
😊

CAMHS in Edinburgh has completely and utterly imploded. If you are likely to need mental health support for your kids you have to be prepared to pay. There is no other option.

Edinburgh is a great city to have teenagers in for things to do, good transport links, safe, good community in many parts. Sorry to hear about the redundancy, what a shock - it’s a big move, always a good idea not to rush these things when you’ve had bad news.

Edinburgh has huge skills shortages so DH should find a job fine but as someone else mentioned CAHMS is overwhelmed so don't rely on schools to support

What area of finance is your dh in? Would he stand a better chance of a job in Scotland? Edinburgh is definitely a great city and lots for teens but as pp says, if you don't need to rush the decision, it would be better to take some time. It is very different to London and if your eldest has completed his GCSE's, he will be moving to a new school, a new city and a new education system. Scottish highers are completed in one year and as I understand it, the kids will start their studies straight after their exams ie. in June so if you are going to move, you don't have much time.

I know 2 people in financial sector in Edinburgh who are currently threatened with redundancy.

It doesn't seem a good time to move as your eldest DC would need to move this summer in order to start the Higher course in S5. That's a real rush to find jobs and organise such a big move!

Thanks so much all. It sounds like it will be sensible to wait before making a decision. It’s taken at least three years for my son to be seen by CAMs here so we’d be giving up a lot with a move to a new system. We have paid private in the past but now we are in with NHS cams I have to say the treatment he’s received has been great. It would be a lot to give up. I just miss my fam so much. 😩. We also may have to sell our house soon because of the redundancy so I’m panicking a lot ! I gave up my career to focus on helping my son and have been working as a TA for the last 6 years on 12k. Doesn’t even touch the sides of our mortgage ! Anyway thanks so much for your advice. X