moving to UK for job in London - where to live, 3 kids...

[milenalee]

Hello,

We are US citizens who have three children who have been attending the local German speaking Swiss schools for the last two and half years. My husband found a job he loves in London and so we must move...

Our kids are 9 years old in 3rd grade which I think is 4th class, 10 almost 11 in 5th grade (6th class?), and 12 in 6th grade.

We don't have a place yet. I would like to use state schools but we could sell our house in Seattle and use private schools. Perhaps we should for the girls and perhaps a girls' school would be better. But it's not a must of course.

What I don't want to do is move them around a lot. It's already tough for them to move and start a new school. I don't want to have to move them again once they do start a new school, unless it's the natural progression and all the kids are new.

My son has something called auditory processing disorder and is somewhat dyslexic. His education needs are very different from his sisters but he is also clearly in elementary school whereas they are already in secondary. At least his needs narrow down the pool of schools to consider.

Where would you choose to live if you had three children these ages? Generally I like to walk places but do not need to live in a city, rather hate crowded cityness. My husband would rather not commute more than 45 minutes to an hour each way.

It will be at least two months before my husband can start working. He has to get the visa first. So even if we rent a place early we cannot apply to local schools? If he is resident and we are still waiting for the kids to finish their year can we then apply?

Thanks so much for any advice.

From experience of a close friend, if you apply after the schools have closed for the summer, you will not get a response until September.

Have you considered the German School in Ham, near Richmond? The girls could continue in the German language system and although it is private it is much cheaper than other London primary schools. Not sure about how it woudl deal your DS 's needs ( not clear if he is German speaker) but the state primaries around there are good.

Sorry, much cheaper than other London PRIVATE schools. The German school is a 4 - 18 school.

I would rather live without a car but UK is not switzerland, not sure it's practical. Here we use a mobility (car share program) sometimes but mostly trains and trams. We do have 5 bikes. We would like 4 bedrooms. I think as long as the rent is below 3500 ish a month we are ok but obviously the less is better. But whatever the market is, not sure if I am realistic about it. Best is to live somewhere that isn't too too high in housing costs.

oh, and we have a cat. So far she is indoor.

Sounds like it might be best to move before the end of the term here. My oldest in what they call 6th class but I think is 7th in UK will not be happy as they have some fun traditions for the leaving 6th class. I think we could manage end of June so at least they could go to their class camps before we move. My husband would probably leave a little earlier.

In the states in california anyway as long as you are paying rent or have purchased somewhere you can apply to the local school. The kids don't have to be in place until the first day of school. But it's not as competitive to get into schools, nor are there as many choices.

I don't think we would consider a German school unless it were really bilingual with lost of English. None of us speak German at home. The kids would like to go back to English. For my youngest it's really difficult for him. It was a mistake to introduce a third language to him before he could read in anything.

I would suggest moving in June because, as a new arrival in a new country, not everything will go smoothly (due to lack of familiarity with how things get done here) and the extra weeks of physical presence in the UK may help expedite paperwork, etc.

If you are concerned about your children missing out on a few weeks of school, I don't think it will be a big issue. And giving them an opportunity to enjoy summer in the UK could ease their adjustment.

Having your husband move earlier could be ideal in that he can get things moving school-wise and on other matters (register for NHS/GP, which may be essential if you require a UK medical statement for your son). Also, your being back in Seattle could be convenient in case you need to obtain any missing paperwork (for example, from your children's schools).

You can't assume your ds will get a statement or specific additional support, but once you have a school allocated arrange to meet the SENCO to discuss his issues and reviews to date (do you have paperwork in English?) If you can do so before the end of summer term then it may give him an easier transition , as he can meet his new class and teacher before September. If he has any therapies ongoing you need to find the UK equivalents and possibly pay privately if you want to continue without a wait for referrals. Will you have private medical insurance?

I would look at places like Maidenhead or Twyford. If he catches the direct train, or can be a fast commute to Paddington (30 minutes), and the 20 minutes by tube to Liverpool Street

Trains go into LiverpoolStreet from pleasant towns in Essex and Hertfordshire.

I was thinking about Colchester, actually, it's a big enough town to have a lot to offer. I don't understand how good the schools are, it's a grammar school county I think? Like Kent? How does that work when someone moves into the area who never did the 11+?

Someone will have to explain Grammar schools to OP, we've nothing like it in CA.

Does my eldest child need to take the 11+ exams? I would think she might.... should we start studying, assuming there are materials you can buy to prepare with....

11+ exam is Only in a minority of counties, not within London itself (I think?). Many private schools have entrance exams, too (most not tough).

So now considering Cambridge, Thames Ditton and where would you all suggest in Essex or Hertfordshire?

Too late for 11+ now and it is applicable only in certain areas anyway. Most areas allocate school place based on distance and specific criteria such as practising relevant religions, siblings, feeder school attendance etc. You really need to determine an area first then contact LA or look on its website for the data and when to apply. In the end it will probably come down to wherever has a place at the time you arrive.

If you contact private schools they may require an academic test and interview, if they are still recruiting. Your older dc may be more lucky if anyone gives notice at Easter for September in her year group but they made already gave a waiting list for dc2's entry group and you'd have to find out where she might be on it.

Hi, have you thought about German school in London? There is one in Petersham (Richmond Borough), co-ed, goes till 18yo and a bit cheaper then other private schools. Very nice area too, huge Richmond park just round the corner.

Cambridge is more than 45 mins surely! Do you know the UK at all , or have any friends over here?

Sorry, UptheRhine, I haven't read all the posts...just noticed that you have already suggested the German School.

To Liverpool st live in Ealing about 30 mins on central line-will be quicker when cross rail eventually comes. Lots of parks, good school.

Still would like to recommend Richmond or Kingston.

I'd agree with Colchester, though don't know school detail.

I also think missing out on the end of year 6 would be a real shame for your kids as they are about to move country. Given that you have the private option as well, I would take the risk. (Though I find it hard to believe that if you actually start renting a place in Essex, that you wouldn't be able to apply as soon as you rent ... but I bow to superior knowledge).

11+ is often county specific so I believe you need to decide whether your dd takes Kent or Essex i think (likely Essex for Liverpool Street). Is the timing right though?