How will my son continue his studies abroad?

[LuckyMumOf1]

We need some advice for this!

In September 2025, we will be moving to the United States which happens to be halfway through my sons A-levels, right after his AS levels. I am quite a novice on this and am unknown on how he will do schooling there, continuing at a British International School or doing the US High School Diploma.

We would greatly appreciate advice or a guide on what he could potentially do - his current GCSE predictions are all 8s and 9s for information, he does take academics seriously.

Will schools want to see his AS level results and GCSEs? Thank you!

To interrupt his studies hal way through A levels is ridiculous and I feel sorry for him. I think AS levels are phased out by the way. Why can't he move just after completing his A levels? I really think you need to talk with the school for advice on how to not harm his chances foe further education and/or uni.

Of course it's better to move him straight after GCSEs rather than half way through a-levels. You simply can't disrupt his education half way through a levels, it's unlikely they will be following the same exam board and even if they are he may not be given the opportunity to cover all the content as they may study different topics at different times of the year. I'm not convinced a school or college will allow this either to be honest. Is he planning on going to Uni? In the Uk or US? Personally I wouldn't be moving, timing is awful both academically and socially at that age. Does he want to move? Have you spoken to him about it?

@LuckyMumOf1 , how much time have you spend looking at the cost of US uni or a uk place when you live abroad? It's far better to complete a levels in uk and apply via UCAS in second year of sixth form.

We still do AS levels in Wales but that’s not really the point here.

ideally he would stay in the UK to complete years 12 and 13 but if that’s really not possible then moving for him tot start year 12 in the US would be the next best option.

Either move Sept 2024, or after June 2026. Or split the family for a year to allow him to complete his A levels in one place.

Check uni fee status in both cases.

Do not move him in Sept 2025.

Look at UK state boarding schools- there are a few and leave him here

What is his plan for post A-level? I think that's the first thing to work out.

If UK university, then check out student finance eligibility - I think he needs to be normally living in the UK, and moving may mean he has to pay overseas fees.
Applying will be a lot easier from the UK. It might be worth looking at possible boarding options, or whether he could stay with friends or family for year 13. I knew one sixth-former who lived alone for year 13 because his family moved - I think family friends kept an eye on him.

If he will want to continue his study post-18 in the US, then you need to look at how he would slot into high school there; that might inform what he should do in year 12, to be best prepared to join their system.

Thank you all for the responses!

I think we know what we'll do. He'll either stay here for A levels at a boarding school (we have applied for Eton) then he will go to university in the US or we will postpone our plans for a year then commence our move.

As for questions if he wants to go in the first place, yes! We are just looking into the options that would be best for us.

If uni in the US is the plan then move him after GCSEs and get him used to the American system. If Eton is on your radar you have money to throw at this - employ a consultant.

Eton send pupils to US universities for decades so maybe worth asking about it during the application process.

What happened? Did you move 🤔 How is your son doing now?