Are there any Royal Alexander and Albert school surrey Mums in here?

[Margeret]

We are moving back to UK (Caterham area) to care more for
Grandma. Our DD has been attending Italian school (currently yr8) - she's keen to get back into the UK school system so is happy about the move. I realise entering yr 9 is when they would be choosing options for GCSE's and it's important to make the smoothest transition in the quickest time for her to catch up on English subjects and get her head round the different approaches Etc.
We've applied for RAAS as a Flexi boarder and deStafford (local state secondary) which feeds to Reigate College for sixth form - we'd really like to get her into RAAS because we heard that a lot of overseas kids go there. Not sure what the best academically would be. DD is really into languages and Music but would love to do more sports as that is very under played here in Italy. Would any RAAS and deStafford Mums be able to advise. Also we are so late in knowing about this move I'm afraid we might end up without a place at all. What is the policy in this situation does anyone know.
Also does anyone know how to arrange to take a GCSE in Italian privately? Don't think any of the schools do it but DD should be able to easily pass that as is bilingual.
Thanks

Hi OP. I am not a parent at either school but am keen on RAAS for Yr 7 entry for my DC. However at 4 miles from the school we have been told there isn't a hope to get in as a flexi boarder. You will presumably though be looking for an in-year entry - year 9 is not a formal entry point. So it will depend whether they have any vacancies. You may be lucky! But when I enquired about Year 6 there were siblings on the waiting list. I don't really know de Stafford but know someone in Caterham who goes to Oxted school! And thinks highly of it. Warlingham may be another option. Fingers crossed.

(Ps I assume you know that RAAS has compulsory school on Saturday mornings - just checking in case you are likely yo have other commitments)

I doubt de Stafford is full but there are other local options such as Warlingham, Oxted or even Oasis Academy in Coulsdon. I think I responded on your other thread that flexi boarding places at RAAS are very rare at this stage. Most overseas students would be full boarders but vast majority of pupils are from UK. Don't rely on getting a place at Reigate College either. You may yet find that while options narrow at year 9 final GCSE subjects are not confirmed until much later in Year 9 as they are 2 year courses. She may be able to sit GCSE Italian via a private school (such as Caterham) or an FE college.

Thanks Merlottime and LIZS - I'm new to Mums net so lost my first thread doh! So thanks for re messaging. I'm waiting to hear on both schools with bated breath. We are not used to having to work any kinda system for entry at all here, as schools modify staffing levels to cope with applications, wish it was the same in UK. I'll look into warlingham as I've heard good things - deStaffords ofsted and general feedback on other sites is not particularly good but liked the feeder aspect to Reigate college (obviously subject to getting the grades). Saturday school is normal here and longer hours with lots of prep also, so shouldnt be such a change. We are 1.5 Miles from RAAS - but if they're full it makes no difference I suppose. Thanks for the idea of looking at sitting Italia. GCSE @ Caterham. I'm going to wait till after the bank holiday to decide if it's worth buying flights for open day 17th May for RAAS as quite expensive and might be frustrating to like a place if we aren't going to get DD in. It's hard enough getting her upto speed on subjects like history/Geography to give her confidence to make the move. Let alone getting her to like a place and then not get a place there. I'm using the BBC bitesize KS3 - is this a reliable source for getting broad curriculum?
Thanks again ciao from Italia

Apparently distance is measured from the flagpole ! Surely 1.5m doesn't get you far towards Caterham though.

You could try checking on the Surrey CC website - there is a distance calculator. (I tried a few of my friend's Caterham postcodes. The nearest one I tried was 3.8 miles away, nearer 5 if down in the valley).

MIL is in Chaldon - I'll check that website though thanks

My dc go to Oasis Coulsdon and I believe they would support you in taking a GCSE in Italian. You would also have guaranteed place at Reigate college, or Coulsdon which is twinned with it. Don't know if that's any help.

3 miles according to the Surrey CC website. Not sure if that's close enough.

Thanks dingit I hadn't heard of Oasis before, I'll check it out. It's closer too according to Surrey CC.

I think you would struggle for a Yr 7 admission, but if they have a vacancy in the right year you may be lucky. I expect the admissions secretary will be in touch soon to let you know where you stand.