still confused-schooling

I have read so much about the differences in schools as far as GCSE's and other differences. Yet I still dont understand exactly what it'll mean for my two who will be 15 and 16 when we arrive late October. Any one else moved with kids that age? Do I need to request them to be tested or are they automatically going to be tested to see where they are academically? Will they be given any help with the GCSE's since it will all be new to them? I got a few really negative comments on my 'other' forum about it being a bad time to move them age wise. But so much else is playing into the timing. Am i really hurting them? or can we get through this part? any advice or tips to make it any smoother for them? they are really bright. My son has been in 'gifted' since kindergarten and now attends Stanton college preparatory school, which as many of you from the US know is second in the nation. My daughter attends a neighbourhood high school but is in advanced and AP classes. Will any of this help them get through? I am really stressing about this!! :\\\'( Thanks in advance for any help...or even a kind word

It's not the best time to move, but it's not the end of the world.  Can I ask when their birthdays are?  They probably won't be tested.  Placement of children here is almost always by age.  Your fifteen year old will be put into GCSE's.  They last for two years.  If she's already fifteen then they might put her in the second year of GCSE's but if she's bright she should be able to do it.  The important work is mainly in the second year and the exams are in May/June of the second year. 
Your sixteen year old will be the age that they take A levels.  He should be able to start the first year of A levels. Students chose the subjects that they want to take in A levels(usually four subjects).  You might want to look at local colleges for this as they might be more flexible.  (UK colleges are not like US universities, but are more like an upper level high school)  My daughter is almost sixteen and is taking her GCSE's now and then is going on to a sixth form college to do A levels.  If your fifteen year old is 16 before September then they also may be more likely to start A levels when they get here. 
What area are you moving to?  Maybe we can help sort out some links.  Try not to stress too much, there are always options.   

Oh Mindy I cant thank you enough for responding! My daughter is the oldest. She will be 16 on the eighteenth of June. My son will be 15 on the third of July. We are moving to the Stoke on Trent area as thats where my cousin is. It helps just to read your response that there are options. I was begining to feel like I was dooming their education future. I tried to contact a few schools but was told to wait until we arrive and sort it then. Then after a few negative comments about moving them at this age, I was really starting to panic. Thanks for the support. Its really appreciated.

Okay, that's do-able.  Especially if they're bright.  Your daughter is exactly the age of mine (June 11) so would almost definately starting A levels or possibly doing some GCSE's first.  If I were you I'd look into sixth form colleges as they tend to be more flexible than schools. Since your son is bright so I wouldn't worry too much, he'll probably have to play catch-up on course work(a very important part of GCSE's) and may have to take resits of some exams for some courses, but I think they'll be okay. 

don't panic--- I moved here when my daughter was 14 and things have gone very smoothly. Your timing is a bit more difficult but definately not impossible. I live not too far from stoke on trent in Crewe--- let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Helena

Thank you both. And Helena I will remember you will be close by thanks!!!