US family in London, teenager needs school or friends

[austinmom]

Hello,

We're an American family and my husband's company hosted us here in London for the last 2 months as a sort of extended business trip. Now they are requesting that we stay through the end of November, and maybe longer.

Our original plan was to homeschool our 13-year-old boy while he misses a month of school and then return him to school when we got home (now). But staying another 2 months changes everything and we need to build his life here, even temporarily.

I've spent many hours digging around online and I'm bordering on panic at this point as I can't find any clear answers.

Basically, I'm fine continuing to homeschool him if that's best for such a temporary stay, but he desperately needs socialization.

We've been staying in Kensington, but are looking to move in the next couple of weeks, considering Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, Hyde Park Estates, the Holland Park area, Fulham, Putney, or somewhere comprable.

Thank goodness the company is paying so we have some power to decide. Any advice on what would be the best area to try and build some kind of life for him? I know this is an overwhelming question (as I am thoroughly overwhelmed myself!).

Or are there any small groups of students that gather together as support for homeschooling? This is probably better served by a homeschool forum, but I'm spreading the net wide hoping for any helpful advice or information.

As background, we also have a 2 and 4 year old who need settling all their own, but it's less critical than the delicate teen situation.

Thank you all! It already helps to know I have somewhere to reach out to even if no one is sure of the answers to my broad, disorganized questions!

Sincerely,
Amanda

Haven't really got much useful advice, except to say that the same thing happened to me at 11- my mum got sent to California for a few months, so I did almost a semester of sixth grade. Terrifed me at first (private school girl to rural state school) but it turned out to be an experience I still remember with great fondness, and stood me in good stead for understanding different cultures later on. I would second those who have suggested finding him a school, even if it is temporary.

If you can't/don't find him a school place, you could look up Homeschool networks in the area you move to. Homeschool families often meet up for drama/sport/music, so he might meet people there. Scouts, drama groups, footie or rugby or martial arts groups are all good too.

You could try seeking advice about your situation from City of London School

www.clsb.org.uk/

I think you would at least find the conversation informative.

They sometimes have pupil exchanges and might be prepared to think of your son in that light.

Worth trying.

i would definitely say Hyde park or reagents park area. NW8 has american school hence u will get lots of american families to connect with. also they have aa private schools which u can opt for 1 term. or u can get a tutor to sit once in a week to get him to practice his level.

Wow, sorry I dropped out, everyone! Trio to the US followed by weeks of stressful waiting to hear more from Apple.

We are, in fact, moving to London. We've settled on independent schooling, one that can accommodate the American system so he's not at an overwhelming disadvantage entering at his late grade level.

We'll meet with an educational consultant next week to help us find a specific school and walk us through the process (thank goodness). Now that my husbands company has committed to us being here for a few years, they are starting to really pile on the helpful services.

Thank you all for taking the time to respond with helpful and supportive info when I was panicking.

I'll stay in touch with the message board!

Best wishes,
Amanda

Hi Amanda,

I'd be interested to see where your son does go to school in London. My two are currently in the American system, and we will be coming back to London when they are around 15 and 13. Current plans are for them to go to ASL, but it would be interesting to know what other school they might slot into quite easily.

What an interesting thread!

just wanted to wish you and your family all the best and hope that you enjoy your extended stay with us....

I'd seriously advise you to ring the American School in London and speak with one of their admissions counselors. The school is hard to get intoespecially now that many local families are trying to enrol their children so they can go to American universitiesbut they are very helpful. One thing you need to think about is where you want your child to go to university. Whilst US universities do admit from British schools, it is MUCH easier to gain admission if you come from an American school. This is especially true for the American Ivy League universities. My child goes to St Paul's but last year the American Ivy League universities accepted only 5 candidates (Harvard rejected 99%). The American School had something like 30 accepted.

I have a colleague in a similar position to you and they have decided to send their dc to the southbank school. They seem to be happy. Its v expensive but the company is paying most of the fees.

Funny, I spoke with Southbank just yesterday! Unfortunately Year 9 (US 8th grade) is full and while it's possible a slot could open up, it's not likely. But I've heard really great things about the school. Congrats to your colleague!

I'm looking into the International School of London, which does have a space available. Ofsted report is good.

Also just scheduled a tour of Tasis for Thursday. Seems a bit far, but since we're flexible to choose our longterm housing tailored to the school we choose, it could work.

And by the way, when I called the American School of London to inquire about possible openings at Connor's grade level, they all but laughed. Apparently they are very full, at his age anyway, and the waitlist is hopeless.

But they did have some leads I've been following. Southbank had some great suggestions as well.

And I love Ofsted! So great to have an objective body scrutinize these schools and give you the real low-down (as much as is possible).It's the easiest way for an outsider like me to get a better feel for the different schools than can be gathered from performance statistics and the schools own advertising.

Shit! I wonder when we should put them on the list for ASL then? We are looking at the start of grade 9 and DD1 is currently in grade 6.

MrsS, sounds like you may have a much better shot than we do, as we're calling asking for mid-year entrance, during the current year!

Give them a call, they were very gracious.

Off topic for this thread, but very on topic for me... figure I'll throw it out there instead of starting a whole new thread in case anyone here has some insight.

We also have a newly turned 4 year old girl, and a boy who turns 3 in January.

We think we'd be fine sending them to state schools. And we haven't picked out long term housing yet.

I spoke to Gabbitas and while they don't assist with state school searches, I coaxed out some personalopinion from the agent on areas to consider moving to in regard to the little ones' schooling.

She recommended: Richmond, Putney, Barnes, Hampstead, Highgate, then maybe Chiswick or Sheen....

Or maybe staying right where we are here in the Notting Hill/Bayswater area is the right move? We do like it, especially since we're on a quiet street, but there are bustling areas a moments walk away. We have a generous housing allowance (thanks again to my husband's company).

Any of you locals agree/disagree with this info? I'm (again) overwhelmed with how to make this decision (especially since the lady collecting £99/hour can't seem to offer much help!).

I guess I'm inclined to just pick one of those areas, based on where the 14-yr-old goes to school ,and then try relaxing and just put the little guys in school wherever is best once we have an address.

Seems a bit unnerving as I've read tons and tons about not getting into the "good" state schools in your own area.

But really, at that age as long as it was a stimulating, friendly environment I'm sure they'd do great.

But any feedback on the SW areas listed above versus, say central or NW in regard to state schools?

My husband works in central London off Regent Street and a shorter commute weighs heavily in our decision (favoring central London of course), but we also have schools, as well as finding an area that has some character and a comfortable feel, as our top priorities.

Forgive me/ignore me if my generalities and non-specifics are irritating you, I understand and humbly accept your disdain.

But if you have any ideas, I'd love to hear what you think.

Maybe I should just pay you guys the £99/hour....

Thanks again,
Amanda

To be honest, trying to get into a desirable state primary school mid year is extremely difficult. In Hampstead and Highgate they are usually oversubscribed and have waiting lists. A lot of the very good ones are church schools which you may or may not qualify for.
However, you never know and it will all depend on the area you move to for your ds. I wouldn't worry about it now tho'. Wait until you know where you son can get a place and then post a new thread about moving to that area and primary schools.

Hi, An Ex colleague of mine who was American opted to remain in central London as wanted the London experience whilst here. Richmond borough is on the whole very good for schools. They are oversubscribed though. So you would need to live near your school of choice. (or go to church). Many areas of London have good primary schools. the secondary state provision can be more patchy but it is supposed to be improving. If you are keen to stay in your local area it might help to go along to some toddler activities and get the local gossip on schools/ (and take with a small pinch of salt!)

That's one thing I haven't been able to find out definitively from reading online--if you do live very close to an oversubscribed school, is there a pretty good chance you could get in, or is a case of if it's full, it's full, even if you live on the doorstep?

Hi, My understanding is if you are wanting a place for the normal admission time. Age 4 for reception or age 11 for secondary. Places are allocated via the schools admission criteria. Often. Special needs with statement. Children in care, Siblings, Churchgoers (if a church school). Distance from school. Often there is so many siblings you need to live very close to a school. If you want a place in other years it depends if places are available. There is a maximum class size of 30 for under 7's. . I believe admission to reception Sept 2011 will be for children born between Sept 1 2006 and Aug 31 2007. If your 2nd child is older than this Ie Sept 2010 entry places will already be taken at popular schools but people do move. Lots move out of London once there children hit school age. Some schools like Marshgate in Richmond have lots of ex pats so places become available.

Schools have no obligation to take extra children unless they have spaces ie under 30 children.
If you live close to oversubscribed school and its full, you go on the waiting list and hope that someone leaves....
In central london there is usually a fair amount of moving about so spaces do come up in most schools. But you can't rely on it.

Wow, lots to consider. Thanks for the info. The adventure continues!

Just one extra word of warning. If your older son ends up in an international/american school the term dates are very different to the British system. ie. he will finish for the summer at end of may/beginning of june and british state schools don't finish until 3rd week of July. This is not a disaster but can muck up what you do in holidays, especially if you want to go back to the US.

Brief update: My husband and I toured The International School of London in Chiswick on Friday.

We liked it very much. Friendly enough staff, solid 'good' Ofsted, the IB program sounded well-rounded and like it would suit our interests. Very international, common for kids like Connor to come mid-year, they are well-equipped to help acclimate them quickly.

Upon arrival we walked the playgound as older looking kids were at recess so we got a look at them socially "in action". I wasn't terribly impressed, nor offended.

The only concern I think I have it that they really are not very selective. When I asked about the admissions criteria, I was told that pretty much every kid at his age that applies gets accepted (space available of course). I suppose I'd like Connor to be at a school where there was at least a little bit of selectivity. Although now that I think about it, I guess it would just be like public (state) school where he's always been, in that all kids go to school, some good, some bad, and that's the real world.

And...that the admissions person admitted they acknowledge a few bullying issues, all within reason, but that they are working on it.

Not a big deal, I guess we're just a tad apprehensive with all the changes, etc.

In short, we're going to keep looking, but it's nice to know we have the thumbs up already on a school if we need to just get him in somewhere quickly, as the clock is ticking away every day!

We visit TASIS Thursday.

Any other ideas of smaller schools that maybe we haven't heard of yet? Unless there's a British school that is exceptional and has openings, I think we've decided American or International would be best for the transition back home at some point.

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again,
Amanda

Ha! Okay, perhaps not so brief. Brevity was never my strong suit!

If you are looking at TASIS, have you looked at ACS?

I would second do look at ACS if you are looking at TASIS. It is where I would send my British kids if we could afford it.