Currently living abroad, a small chance has come up that we might need to move back to London (name changed to avoid this linking to my old profile). We left when the kids were tiny. They go to a great international school, dual language, igsce followed by IB, small year groups running through from RC to Y13, kids go on to multiple different countries with a fair representation in oxbridge and Ivy League but also good unis in Australia, Canada, European countries. I love it, my kids love it.
And then... I've read so many threads about the UK and London schools. 11+, academic competitiveness, lack of pastoral care... I do get that obviously if you post, it's cos you have a problem so it's unrepresentative but it's made me want to knock the idea of London on the head before it even starts!
Instead trying to keep an open mind... so any recommendations or thoughts on schools I should be investigating
- DS 13, academic and as self motivated as teen boys can be, more entrepreneurial/tech orientated than for example interested in studying classics at oxbridge, likes sports but not hugely sporty.
- DD 11 will need strong pastoral care especially round a move, she's less academic but not less clever just she hates tests/exams (the thought of putting her through 11+ and assessments worries me) she's strong in creative subjects so not just art but wider design facilities would suit her.
If we moved we would look at private and state, probably live near district line but if this happens kids come first especially DD who will find it tough emotionally so doesn't have to be that area.
Any thoughts? Am I overthinking this?