Hi, thanks for your reply

We'd love to get there much earlier, but with work and other things going on...it looks like January is it. I agree, it would be much better to start the boys at the beginning of the school year. They are friendly young lads, so hopefully they'll fit right in, however, we are concerned about the cultural difference...

Cheers

Hi,
Is one of you able to return with your boys for September? It would be easier for them to start the whole school year. My husband took our son home in the August and I returned in December. Its not ideal but we felt it was the best option.
Our son was 13 when he arrived back and should have gone into year 9. We approached the school and asked if he could go back into year 8. The only reason was the different teaching styles.
We have been very lucky and have not experienced any problems.

Hi Spacecake799

Thanks for your message. It's really good getting feedback from others in similar situations.

We are seriously looking at trying to go earlier. We're not sure yet, but we're going to plan it that way anyway.

We've been contacting schools and it seems quite hard getting the kids in; no vacancies and being referred to the appeal process.

Did you find the process hard (getting your 13yo into a school)? Did you start the process from NZ?

We're looking at the Leeds area, but we're happy to look around.

Thanks again!

Cheers

Our children are younger than yours but we are looking at Mid Year Applications for them too and I know that, in the case of Lincolnshire at least, we have to physically be in the UK before we can apply to Lincolnshire County Council for school places for them.

However, schools I have contacted have been helpful and have told me whether they currently have places and in the cases where a school had a place for one of our children but not the other two they were fairly encouraging about our chances of getting in on appeal.

Way more stressful moving with children then when it was just the two of us!

Hi NiHao

Thanks for the message.

We received an email from a school this morning with similar advice, which is positive. I am only familiar with Leeds and a few surrounding areas, so it makes sense to wait. I don't want to jump the gun, only to discover the area isn't quite right for us!

Yes, moving with kids sure makes it harder lol

Cheers

Hi,
We did start the process from NZ in as much as we contacted the school about places etc. we then rented a house in the area before my husband returned. Again we let the school know and once the house was sorted applied off the place.
It is up to the school whether your child can be put back a year. Thankfully ours were happy.
Great choice of area by the way. Were near harrogate.

Hi, well it never worked out unfortunately and we are back on Gold Coast, my son hated it, especially school, never settled friends he used have had moved on into their own little circles, he was very lonely and miserable. Even hated the uniform having to wear long trousers and jackets, silly things really but a big deal to him. Couldn't stand seeing him like that, I loved being back but had to think of him. He's now back in school and loving being back so much more happier. I think it just depends on the child I thought mine would fit in so well with no problems and so did he as he makes friends quickly but not there.

ormrod7,

So sorry the move back didn't work out for you. Hopefully you feel better for having given it a try rather than being left wondering "what if". Still very hard to have to pingpong I'm sure.

Sorry to hear it didn't work out I had an unfortunately similar experience in 2012 with my daughter who was extremely gung-ho & looking forward to the experience ... Until she actually experienced it The school (N. Yorkshire) was fantastic, but ... it just didn't work out.

We knew within in a couple of weeks that it was an unmitigated disaster, & I brought her back to Canada & "commuted" CA ->UK for 9 months.

At least we tried.

S

Hi ormrod7

Thanks very much for your message.

I am also sorry it didn't work out; that must have been tough for you all! It's not an insignificant move. It's good to know you've settled back in over here.

If you don't mind me asking, did you stay in the UK very long? Living on the GC, I imagine you all enjoy the 'sun and surf'? I think that can be a difficult lifestyle to move away from?

It's so helpful hearing about people's experiences; it really opens your mind to the reality of it all.

Cheers

Thanks Spacecake799

I love Harrogate! What a beautiful place. We drove there from Pontefract (we were staying in Pontefract with family one holiday) for a coffee and walk around.

It sounds like we're following the same plan. Good to hear you had a positive experience overall.

Cheers