mazza

cathy, how did you find the private schools ?

Tresco..  I am not attracted to the French education system...it's just that we are planning to move....my husband has a job....I hope to be employed in their school....and we would like Dominic to be happy.  Someone wrote that it was different being there on holiday and having french friends..... than living and working there, we are fully aware of this and know that there are hurdles that we must overcome. I have french friends who are teachers who have come over to stay with us.  Being employed in the education system in England I arranged for them to spend time in a couple of schools from Primary to High.  All three of them told me that the the english education system is very relaxed and the students do not have enough dicipline or respect for their teachers, and that their behaviour would not be tolerated in the french system. The only thing that they seemed to be in agreement of is the start and finishing times of the children.  Having said all this my other two sons have thoroughly enjoyed their time in school (obviously not all the time)....have both done really well, and have gone on to further education.

Hi Cathy, Thank you for your reply....as you said we have thought about this for a long time.... and my children's education is paramount.  We have pondered long and hard over this decision and have taken alot of time considering this move. I am presently employed in a school and over the years have seen changes in the system and have also become disallusioned with the state of the UK education.  I work in a Primary school 3 to 11. We have 420 pupils in our school.... 95% are of various ethinc nationalities and 5% are british born.  Our teachers are dedicated and our school is a lovely place to be in, but again over the years I have slowly seen a decline as more and more teachers are off with stress and anxiety.  Most schools now have to employ permanent security on site (even in Primary schools) because of the level of violence and abuse that the staff get from pupils and parents.  I realise that my son has only a few years of education left (compulsary),   (and by the way.......the school which my son attends is fantastic........) and I feel we are half way there as he is agreeing to go.  I know it is going to be hard for him, but he will have our full support, and I know that he will apply himself.  If he finds anything out of his reach we will cross that bridge when we come to it. I have to tell you this.....last year just before his 13th birthday we were all out cycling and our son turned to us and said "Dad you know if we came out here to live, I could do this all the time on my own and not be afraid of anyone attacking me or pulling me off my bike to steal it".  I was gob smacked !!!!! as at home I am the taxi driver...I even drop and pick up my 18 year old.  Not that I would be letting my guard down there..but for a child of 12 to come out with a statement like that..well what else can I say.  

Hi Deby, I am trying to put my sons interests first, that is why I am asking for advice and experiences of other people who have made the move to France.  I would not even contemplate this if my son did not want to move.  He studies French at school and is doing well.  When in France he has only french friends and manages to communicate well. I am not saying this is a problem......I am asking for advice on procedures.  

Hi, Thanks for your positive reply. Maria

Hi Cathy, Thanks for your reply..wearemoving to the Vendee.

Hi....this is my first post on this forum so stick with me.......We have just put our home on the market and have already signed a compromise de vente in France.  We have been going to the same place for the past 10 years.  I have 3 children the youngest 13 and they have all literally grown up there, know the area, have friends etc:-  My two older sons have their lives planned out and have given us our blessing to move over.  My 13 year old can't wait to go over.  When we actually plan to go he will be 14.  What is the best time to enroll  him to start next September 2008?  What are the procedures and do I need any form of paperwork? Any advice greatly appreciated Thanks Mazza.