Schools in Croydon London

Hello my family and I will be moving to the UK in Jan 06 due to me accepting a position as a social worker in Croydon.  My son will be 6 in Nov. so of course will just now be starting kindergarten but has gone two years in pre-k.  Any advice on schools in the area, such as private, Catholic or any information that you think that would might be helpful.  I am really concerned about his adjustment as he goes to a private Christian school now and really likes it because it is small and he gets lots of individualized attention and he does not adjust well to change.

This is one of my biggest concerns about the move among other things, such as housing, husband finding a job ect.

I posted the above post a few days ago with no response from anyone, so let me make it general about schools?  Does anyone else's children attend a religious school such as a Catholic School, private or other state supported schools and which would you guys recommend?  I am trying to get as much information because I am truly worried about my sons transition in school and with the move to London.

Sheila

Sorry, didn't see this. 

If your son will be six in Nov.  He will go into Year 1 here. 

Catholic Schools and CofE schools are actually state schools here and not private.  You usually have to prove that you're practicing Catholics, church goers and your child is Baptised. 

Mindy,

We are Catholic and my son has been baptized in the Catholic churh, thanks for the information bc I probably would not have brought his baptizmal certificate with us when we come over. 

So which would be better of the schools?  Seeing that I no clue about the schemes and how the school systems work within the UK.

Sheila

You'll also need proof that you're church goers, so bring a note from your priest. 

I have one daughter in a state catholic school(secondary).  We're very happy with it.  It's my opinion that it has more focus on the child than the test results. 

I'm not sure what LEA Croydon is in-let me have a look around and I'll see if I can find any links for you. 

Suggest you try this link to get started:

http://www.croydon.gov.uk/education/?a=5441
Catholic (state aided ) schools generally have a pretty good reputation.

Here we go.  You're best off contacting the council at first instead of the school, they'll be able to advise.  

http://www.croydon.gov.uk/education/schools/?a=5441

Snap.

Thanks guys for the links.  I think that I may have contacted them already but never got a response back from them.  I will try again though.  I just want to make the right choice for my son and didn't realize that Religious schools are considered state shcools over there bc they are usally private here. 

Glad to hear that Catholic schools have a good reputation.  My recruiter is suppose to be helping me gather some information but I haven't received anything yet.

So to you guys who are living over there now with you kids and families, do you regret the move or has it been an experience of a lifetime for you and your family.  Did your kids adjust fairly well?  Was your spouses able to find jobs or vice/versa?  I know that I am kinda getting off of the subject a little bit.  Also, has anyone that are US citizens had a baby over there, because me and my husband are considering trying to have another child towards the last of our first year there since I will sign a two year contract, would you guys suggest we do this or wait til our return to the states?  Also about medical care, I know that I will be covered but will my son and husband?  Any information will be helpful, I have done some research but it is all so overwhelming to think that my family and I are actually moving across the pond to live with no security net so to speak.  Is life in the UK hard to adjust to?

Sheila

I can't answer alot of your questions since I've been here so long and my kids were born here, but why don't you post them seperately in the different forums( healthcare, expat life, etc).  I'm sure more people will notice them and be glad to help.   

If you go to the link posted and click on the primary school you want to look at (It will say Catholic in the name of the school), there will be a link to Ofsted report.  That's the inspection that is done on a school every few years.  It will give you a pretty good idea which are the better Catholic schools. 

About the schools - there are private schools which are religious so if you want a private religious school, they are around.  But as has already been said, there are religious state schools too.

About having a baby here - the ante natal and post natal care is good overall (and free)  but it is probably different to what you would have in the USA, in that it is midwife led. You are assigned an obstetrician but you only see them a couple of times unless there are complications with your pregnancy. If you have a look through the pregnancy and parenting board you will find some threads where people have discussed the differences and their personal experiences.

Hello all, just wanted to update you guys, found a Catholic school in the Thornton Heath area of Croydon.  I have made contact but not sure if my son will have a place due to us not arriving until Jan 06.  Seems like a really good school on paper at least.  Anyone know anything about this school.  St.James the Great Catholic School.

Sheila