Is private Y9 state Y10 possible ice age 14 DS?

[Woonang]

Hi
My family will move to UK in Oct. My DS will be 14 at that time. If we wait for the allocation of Y10 upon arrival, I estimate that it will take at least 1 month. It will then take another month for DS to get used to the new environment as English is not our mother language. I'm worrying that he will not be able to pick up the missing GCSE course properly.

I want to ask if it is impossible to apply for Y9 in state school? If it is impossible, can I arrange DS to study in private school Y9 first. Apply to move him to Yr 10 in state school in Sep 2022? Is it feasible under his age consideration?

Thx for your advice in advance.

How good is your DC's English?

We've had an example of a similar situation at my DC's state school where a child arrived at the start of what should have been Year 10, but speaking virtually no English. It was decided that he would be unable to access the curriculum and he was moved back 2 years to start in Year 8. I would have thought you might be better pursuing an argument like this? Otherwise it's very unusual to start a child out of their chronological year in a state school, and having been to a private school first will make no difference. You should also be aware that many schools start GCSE courses in Year 9, so something else to look out for in potential schools.

It may be possible for him to be one year behind in a UK state school, I think two would be more unlikely.

In the state system, his education would normally be funded until he is 19, so any further education would probably need to be finished by then or funded by you (in e.g. a private school).

I would try to get him into a state school in Y9 in October if you can.

So he should enter year 10? I think it unlikely state schools will allocate out of year and any negotiations will only delay it. Independent schools might but you will be staying in fee paying until post gcse then possibly transfer at year 12.

@UserAtRandom

How good is your DC's English?

We've had an example of a similar situation at my DC's state school where a child arrived at the start of what should have been Year 10, but speaking virtually no English. It was decided that he would be unable to access the curriculum and he was moved back 2 years to start in Year 8. I would have thought you might be better pursuing an argument like this? Otherwise it's very unusual to start a child out of their chronological year in a state school, and having been to a private school first will make no difference. You should also be aware that many schools start GCSE courses in Year 9, so something else to look out for in potential schools.

So your child moved to Y8 at state school at that time?

Could you not give him an intense immersion in English for the intervening five months? English reading, radio, TV, films, + a formal online course?

Only because I'd have thought being a year out of sync with his peers might be more problematic at that age.

@Postapocalypticcowgirl
Yes, 2 years backward may be too much even for the child. Will try to use the excuse suggested by @UserAtRandom to apply for Yr 9. By the way, can I apply for private Y9 as back up?

@MayIDestroyYou
English is not my major concern. I think my DS can pick up not too long later as child can learn it very fast. What I am worrying is that he will be unable to pick up the missing GCSE course. As said, some school will actually teaching GCSE from Yr 9. He is studying Y8 now in my hometown. Since his birthday is in July, he should be admitted to Y10 under UK system.

If an independent school accepts your ds you will need to pay a deposit and become liable for first term's fees , even if you cancel before September.

Icic. Thx for advising. By the way, I'm confuse whether there are 2 terms or 3 terms in a year? I checked a couple private schools' website, they quote tuition per term.

Three terms per year for school fee totals

I would also try to get him to start in year 9 at the schook where he is going to be doing his GCSEs. As his birthday is in July he is regarded as ‘summer born’. This can give more options when making a request to be educated out of cohort. (My knowledge of being out of year group is based on children starting school at 5 not 4) but secondary schools should be aware of other summer born children being educated out of cohort - you will have to persuade the admissions authority too. Can I ask what part of the UK you are coming to? Different regions have slightly different policies surrounding this.

Hi @Heathofhares Thx for advising. It's a good news for me as it is quite difficult for me to think of a reasonable rationale to persuade the council. I'm planning to move in Sutton or Surrey. Do you have any idea in those regions please?

So your child moved to Y8 at state school at that time?

It wasn't my child (so I can't tell you the details of what happened). When my DS was in Year 8, a boy started in his year group who could only speak limited English and should have been put into Year 10 on the basis of age. The reason given (to the rest of the year) was that the boy had been put into Year 8 as the school started GCSE work in Year 9 and it was clear he would be unable to access it as his English was not strong enough.

The boy stayed in DS's year group and ended up taking GCSEs 2 years later than his age group peers.

I see. It's a good reference. Thx @UserAtRandom

I’m in Surrey

I wouldnt move schools for Y10, after only one year in the first school so would go with whatever school you can get access to when you arrive, and continue there until the end of Y11.

Is there anyway you can get here for early September with your son? Starting a new school year at the start, especially if you are allocated Y10, would make a big difference.

FWIW, we applied for mid year transfer 3 days before we flew into the UK, were offered places THAT DAY, and could have started on the following Monday morning. Some councils can move quickly. Most insist you are physically here, but if you will accept the school you are given, however unpopular, it can be way less than a month.

[quote Woonang]@Postapocalypticcowgirl
Yes, 2 years backward may be too much even for the child. Will try to use the excuse suggested by @UserAtRandom to apply for Yr 9. By the way, can I apply for private Y9 as back up?[/quote]
Yes.

Discuss it with the school in advance. I believe the school I work for (UK, state) would consider placement out of year in this circumstance, but only one year below the year they should be in- if that makes sense?

We do have a very small number of students placed out of year within school for various reasons. We would not allow a placement of two years below their age group as it would cause issues with being able to complete a college course/ A-levels in the state system.

Some schools are going back to a 2 year GCSE course now, because OFSTED don't like the way the curriculum narrows with a 3 year GCSE programme.

It would be best to find a school that does GCSEs from year 10 and move in year 9 to pick up the language.

Surrey LA may allow you to apply a short while in advance of a move if you have proof of a local address. You need to look at the In Year application process. However they are not known for flexibility. Where in Surrey are you considering? Bear in mind popular local schools may be "full" and although you could appeal it will only delay things further. Would you be happy for your ds to travel a distance to school? It would be disruptive to move again pre gcse - the syllabus, exam board and order of teaching topics varies from one to another. Is your ds in a British curriculum school at present?

@Heathofhares

I’m in Surrey

It's great! Pls give me more advice on the authority's policy in case you think that it may be helpful for me. Thx in advance!

The exact schedule that I can come to UK depending on the visa application. My family comes from Hong Kong. As you know that the number of visa application increased in compound, the application processing time is uncontrollable. I keep my fingers crossed that it can be ready before Sept.

Thx a lot @DancesWithDaffodils

Before creating this post, I thought my only options are private Y9 or state Y10. With the advice of all the kind people here, I know that there maybe another way out. It's great! Million thanks to all of you.

@Postapocalypticcowgirl Would you suggest me to write to the school before their summer closing (say in June) asking if they can accept my DS's application of Y9 offer?

@Woonang

Before creating this post, I thought my only options are private Y9 or state Y10. With the advice of all the kind people here, I know that there maybe another way out. It's great! Million thanks to all of you.

@Postapocalypticcowgirl Would you suggest me to write to the school before their summer closing (say in June) asking if they can accept my DS's application of Y9 offer?

I think I would discuss the situation with schools this summer, yes. They won't be able to confirm if a place would be available or not, but they would be able to confirm whether they would consider placing your DS out of year, I think.

@LIZS I'm considering Guildford as my DD is apply for an offer is the University of Surrey. Actually, I have no idea on which schools are popular. I think those schools with better academic achievement will deemed to be more popular. I concern more on students conduct. Just hope that my DS can stay happy and positive in his née life.

@Postapocalypticcowgirl Understood. Thx again.