Moving from Canada

[shainavictory]

Hello. We are planning on moving from Canada to southwest London or Surrey area. My husband will be working in Leatherhead. My question is about schooling for my son who will be going to Year 9. I am looking for recommendations for what schools to go to (or cautions for where to avoid). As you can imagine, our curriculum and schooling processes are quite different from in the UK so we are hoping to find somewhere that he will fit in nicely. He is 13, academically high achieving, enjoys and has extensive experience in drama/performing arts, and isn't overly interested in sports. We would like a co-ed school and we are open to state or independent schools. Our main focus is finding a place for him to fit in since he will be leaving his friends and theatre groups to move here. Does anyone have experience or suggestions on something that would suit our needs? Thanks in advance.

Also we would like day school (not boarding school).

You're looking for private? If this is for September you need to start calling now. Schools that have Y9 as an entry point will have offered their places now. Most parent moving their kids have to give a terms notice of fees, so schools will be coming back into session now and will have a good idea of movement. I suggest you call around and see where there's space, than ask for advice on here regarding specific schools you've narrowed down.
If you're looking at state, your options are whatever has space and you will be allowed to apply once you're here. Your application will be an in year application and you will be allocated a school in your local authority that has space.

Also, if he's academic and into theatre, I probably wouldn't go to a specialised performing arts school. These tend to not be as academic. Most private schools in the UK have really good performing arts departments that your son will probably find great, alongside a varied curriculum.

Hi, you have quite a few options in the Leatherhead/ ashtead area. State schools - st Andrews is very well regarded and has a very good Ofsted rating (think it's either good or outstanding) and it's co ed and goes through to 18. Re independent schools - city of London Freeman's school in ashtead is very well regarded and is also very academic - competition for places is very high. St John's in Leatherhead is also very good and quite academic too - not as academic as Freeman's but I would say it is going that way and competition for places is also very high. My eldest went to st John's and got excellent academic results. They also have a very good drama department and excellent drama facilities too. Quite hot on sports but they also offer non traditional sports and so there is something for everyone if not into rugby and football. Have a look at Downsend school which is also in Leatherhead (it's actually next to St Andrews) - my youngest goes there and he is really happy as am I. It doesn't have the extensive facilities that freeman's and st Johns have but fee wise is a lot cheaper. Academically still very strong and they have recently opened a lovely new arts centre with a fabulous theatre for drama. Downsend goes through to 16 but they are considering a 6th form and hopefully this will be on the horizon soon. You could also have a look at box hill school - not as academic as the other schools mentioned but great facilities.

You really need to go and have a look at the school's - they all have open days and it will give you a really good feel for the school ethos. I think both st John's and Downsend are great schools - st John's is a very big school whereas Downsend is a lot smaller and I very much prefer that as I feel children can get lost in big schools.

Hope this is helpful.xx

St Andrews is Catholic btw both in admissions and ethos

You should contact Cranmore as they have just opened up a senior school.

Also look at ACS Cobham as they are use to transitional students and it's the IB curriculum.

You are going to find it tricky to get a place, when are you planning to move? You should ask your husband's employer if they will pay for an educational relocation consultant.

The most local independent would be St Johns LH but they may not have space for this September, at this point. It is reasonably academic and all round with a good drama department. Otherwise City of London Freemans or Epsom College might be worth an enquiry.

Lucky you, Shaina🇨🇦