Moving back to Scotland/schools

[soundsys]

Hello

We're planning to move back to Scotland (Glasgow, probably West End) and trying to figure out the best time to do it for school, as have 3 in English primary and obviously the terms/school years don't directly line up...

If the school year starts mid-August, then that seems sensible but then I saw somewhere they start the next year's curriculum before the swimmer holidays... when I was at school that was only the case in secondary. My main priority is them starting at the same time as others and being able to make friends - I'm less worried about academics as they're still quite young and I'll have time to spend catching them up if needed .

So any insight or thoughts very welcome, please :)

Also my youngest will have done reception year in Scotland so logically would go into primary 2 but as she's a September birthday I could defer her so she starts in P1. Which feels sensible in terms of her starting with everyone all new together but I'm not sure if it will feel like repeating a year? I guess probably one to discuss with the school or does anyone have any advice? 🙏

If you're not absolutely set on the West End, consider Shawlands, Strathbungo and Newlands to widen your net. Make sure they're in the catchment for Shawlands Academy. (We're in Pollokshields but the bit we're in goes to Glendale Primary - which was excellent - but goes on to Bellahouston Academy which isn't as good as Shawlands Academy we were able to get a placing request for Shawlands Academy, which is just as close )

The other issue you might come across is that the catchment primary might be full (especially in the West End), although they're supposed to keep a few spaces for people who move into the area during the school year.

Shawlands (Kilmarnock Road and adjacent streets) is a buzzing brunch location! Plus you're close to the Burrell Collection and Pollok Park

Oh absolutely! I know the area well, but it's more about where we can find the right place!

Thank you, great intel! We're keen on Hyndland, Hillhead or Shawlands for secondary but I'm also hoping to get work at the uni so west end would work better, plus my family are that way (and are liable to get lost if made to go south of the river - I used to live in Govanhill so speak from experience 😁)

I'm a Northsider myself (in fact, dh says I'm not even Glaswegian as I was brought up in Bearsden/Milngaive ) but dh has converted me to the South Side and I've been here for over 30 years now ().

The subway means that the West End is still easily accessible : I have friends who live locally but work at The University. My hairdresser is in the West End too.

@prettybird that is true, I could get on the subway! Deffo a consideration! (I went to school in Milngavie (placing request! 👋)

i'd definitely consider moving during the school year... lots of primary schools are already at capacity in the west end and if you have three year groups to fit into i'd prioritise finding a house you're happy with and a school that can take all three kids rather than trying to time it all perfectly.