Let's here your opinions on schools

Hey all,
The wife and I will be relocating in August and getting our 8 and 6.5 year old into schools is the current top priority.  So we're very interested in hearing everyone's opinions, experiences, etc. 

Did you choose a public school, state school or an "American" school?  Why and how has that school been for you?  What would you do differently?

Thanks!

Bumpin' it up to the top again.

Surely someone has an opinion of a school, school district, schools in general.

Hi there! I can't help tons with the younger age schools...sorry. We have been here a 3+ years and my boys are now 17 and 18. We picked a state school, not much choice really as we didn't have the money for the other types. In saying that, we have had a wonderful experience with it and they have truly risen higher than I ever imagined moving them at such a critical time.  They were both in the IB prgramme and I was really worried abotu changing them at the age they were at for GCSE tests zooming in. Just do as much research in your area as you can and speak to as many folks as you can in the area, at the school and in the neighbourhood. Having all the information at hand was my saving grace and kept me at least a bit calmer. Good luck with your move and choosing your school.

You might find these useful, the offical schools performance tables:

http://www.dfes.gov.uk/performancetables/

What area of the UK are you moving to? 

Where are we relocating?  Well that's the fun part where ever we want.  Why, we'll be setting up our UK and Eurpoean divisions and get to choose where we go.  So we're somewhat letting school choice drive the decision as to where.   But Richmond is a strong, strong draw as is Surrey in general.

Hi, I've had three kids go through the UK school system.  I can't compare it to the US, I'm afrad because all three have started here. 
By and large we've been very happy with the state schools.  They all have very good reputations.  But any school with a good reputation is going to be hard to get in-house prices surrounding good schools are astronomical, especially in the Southeast.  And living in a catchment area of a school is not a guarentee of getting in. 
Overall, I've been happy with the teaching.  They seem to be pushed to their best level.  There is a good deal of creativity taught along with academics.  There is an emphasis on PE.  Our little one has PE twice a week and swimming once a week. There are school plays as well as concerts and clubs.
My older two are in secondary now.  I do feel here htat there's alot of pressure.   And I also feel that a child is labled a little early-all based on test results.  Saying that they're getting an exellent education.
My one criticism of the UK school system is that I think there tends to be a sqaure peg mentality.  Children who are individuals are pressured to conform-by peers and the school.  That might be true of US schools too, but it's something that I've noticed. 

Ok moving it up the list again.  :-)

Catamount, I don't think you are getting many responses because as far as I know we only have a few members in the Surrey area with school age children. Is there something specific you are looking for in a school which you feel might not be available in a UK state school?  Have you contacted any (private or state) schools over here for information?

You might find this line to the Dept of Education site helpful as a starting point: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/

I have a 5 yo and 4 yo who just started at a private school this fall in Gloucestershire.  Because I didn't know anything about the private schools in the area - I worked with an organization in London who did a consultation/placement for me.... http://www.iscis.uk.net/  (under the link for "pupils from overseas")

I have found the difference with younger kids to be (at least at the private schools) -
    - the kids are expected to be reading before entering Kindergarten (Year 1)
    - there is a more rounded education which includes more elements of music and language

Can't tell you anything about the public schools or anything about Surrey.  We choose private b/c we knew what town we would be living in but not sure where we would find a house.  We are actually going to be moving again soon; but thankfully will not have to move the girls.

You might try .... to get some local info about the Surrey Area....

American Women of Surrey
AWS, PO BOX 185, Cobham
Surrey KT11 3YG
Information Telephone: 07626 904307

(found this on another website -- not sure the info is still current)

Here's my experience....we've been in Northern England (Durham) for 1 1/2 years, and my children are 15 and 12.  Adjustment wise, it was very tough for them last year.  They are the only Americans in their schools and groups were already formed - and not too accepting to outsiders and there isn't much diversity.  I'm sure that is way different to what you'd find in Southern England!  Overall, I think education is what the Brits do best!  I feel like the quality is high and there is a fair amount of emphasis put on the arts, languages, and physical ed.  Of course, your kids will learn cricket and netball!!

With the ages of your children, I think it would be an easier adjustment, and maybe the groups won't be so set.  In secondary, things do get pretty serious academically, and there's a fair amount of bullying that goes on.  Even some of the teachers get away with cussing at the kids and callling them names....so I think the bullying atmosphere is kind of set by them, unfortunately.

Another thing I would think about is how long you're planning to be here.  If it is going to be long enough for your kids to be in secondary here, you have to ask yourself if the high school experiences you had growing up (prom, sporting events, school spirit, etc.) are important, because you don't get that here.  It's just pretty much a go to school, come home kind of thing! 

But, I have to say I was surprised, because I ran the question of American School vs. British school past my kids, and they both said they figured the British school would win their vote at the moment!  The big factor in that is all the neighborhood kids go to the local school, and they wouldn't really be able to know/play with them if they were to go to a private school.

Another thing I just thought about is  parent involvement - what I found is that you're not as "needed" in the classroom as I was in the States, although some of that might be coming from my kids (ie. not passing on invitations to me!) because they are getting older!

Good luck with your move....with kids it can be tougher, but once they get settled it'll be easier for you guys!

One thing to think about is whether or not you'll be moving back to the States or whether you might want your child to go to an American University.  If you think you'll be moving back to the States in a short period of time, then consider the American schools...they run a similar curriculum as most American private schools.  If you are considering staying in Britain permanently and don't care whether or not you want your children to go to an American Uni, then check out the schools in the areas you are looking at...both private or public (public or state).  I work at an American School in London and so only really know about this one - but I would only send my kids there if I lived nearby (so they would have friends to hang with)...have to say though, the American School is an amazing place to go to - very supportive of family involvement, great education and amazing things that these kids do...if I had to come back as a school age kid, I'd love to be here!