Turning 14

My daughter is turning 14 this January and we are hoping to be moving to London in June if our job works out. The biggest problem we are facing now is her schooling. We are pretty sure, we cannot afford private school though it has been suggested that we try to see if we can find a baccalaureate program. I know something about UK's schooling so I am aware that this is a really difficult year to try and transition her. Any suggestions or ideas would be welcomed. She is a bright child (that is if you trust her mother's judgement on that one) and adaptable (we hope) but I believe this may be our biggest hurtle in moving. We can choose a neighborhood with the school in mind. Any thoughts?

I don't know too much about the schools in London but I have a friend who lives in Battersea with a son who is 13 and she is very happy with the school he got into. He did have to pass some kind of selection test because it's a very popular school.   I seem to rememberher telling me something about it offering the Baccalaureate too, but I could be wrong about that. I can find out more details if you like, let me know and I'll ask her.

Are you moving to London for a job? Have you thought about living a little bit outside London and commuting in? You might be happier with the schools in Surrey, Berkshire or Kent, for example.

Yes, if all goes well we will be working in London and have thought about living just outside especially if that would be better for my daughter's schooling. I would really appreciate any information I can get about schools, especially first hand if you wouldn't mind asking your friend. I do have a friend whose son goes to school in Tooting Beck(?) so she is one connection. She is worried about how demanding the GCSE program is for her son who is 14. Anyway, any information would be greatly apprciated. Thanks

No probs.  I'll PM you when I've got some details. 

Thanks for the info. I think it may be of help!

My daughter was 14 when we moved here last year. She had the advantage of starting at the beginning of year 10 but don't panic. She has adjusted amazingly well--- they have predicted she will get A or A* on all her GCSE's at the end of this year. I think one of the biggest parts is how much the child wants to move---my daughter was very much wanting to make the move. I don't live anywhere near London so can't help with specific schools. My daughter does attend a catholic school---if by chance your child is baptized Catholic that is a great option for you--and free! :-).

Helena

Thanks, your post is really helpful. I think I am panicking a bit. I am afraid my daughter has rather mixed feelings about the move. She was very angry for awhile but seems to be coming around some lately. She is most upset about leaving her closest friends and not going off to high school with them. I feel badly about these things but truly believe this will be a great experience for her. Unfortunately, Catholic School isn't an option since I am Jewish and her father is Protestant.

Aren't there a few American schools in England? This might make the transition a bit easier for her?

There are, but i think they'd be expensive... and she said they cant afford private school.