Relocating

[StephG1912]

Hi,

We are moving back from 10 years in Asia at the end of the year possible next summer. Our children are going into year 9 & 7 this August. We are looking to buy a family home near the M40 Oxford down so pretty flexible. We prefer a grammar school but guessed we have missed the boat? We would rather not be paying but at a push we would. Any recommendations for a good school not too big ( children would be in shock) in an area where if there are no places we could do fee paying ( reasonable fees and mixed) if all else fails. Thank you :)

Hi, I would ask MN to edit your title to put in the area you want.

I don't know the area but if there are grammars, there must be a process for mid school applications, so you could inquire about that

Be aware that a lot of schools now start KS4 ie GCSE work in yr 9, so that may affect your older child.

Also I would give a figure for acceptable fees! HTHH

I am not familiar with that area but check out the elevenplusforum for region guides. www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/11plus/viewforum.php?f=64 DD is at a Grammar in SE London and places do come up outside of the usual points of entry but very rarely and do involve a test. I suspect for your area you will either need to sit out and wait for a state place which could be disruptive for your DC who will then be going into Y10 or pay. Good luck with the move

Thanks 🙏

Oxford doesn't have Grammars but does have very good Comprehensives. Buckinghamshire does have Grammars and your DC are young enough to sit the tests (sat at the beginning of year 6 I believe), but they might not pass so it's worth making sure you have a good back up plan.

Oh sorry theyate going into year 9 and 7 not 9 and 7 years old.

I'd definitely look for great Comprehensives then! My own fully comprehensive area gets plenty of students into top universities, medical schools etc. (But also cater for the less academic too.)