Jordan99 Posted January 18, 2015 Share Posted January 18, 2015 We have been here for 5 years just got our citizenships. I really want to move back and so does hubby. I have an older son and grandson back home with another on the way. I have two boys here 14 and 16 in yr 10 and 11. I'm so concerned about ruining their education. I know my 16 yr old can go back and find an apprenticeship etc and he is happy to do that. but my younger one is my concern. He is not really academic but tries hard. He doesn't want to go back but I know he will settle back easily. He spends most of his spare time indoors on his flipping PlayStation so really we could live in the North Pole and he wouldn't know !! I have thought who staying till they finish school but to be honest I don't think I can last that long. It's really affecting my happiness. I miss my family and friends and struggle not having them around. We have made some lovely friends here but it's just not the same. We need to go back for personal reasons but as I said I'm worried about my boys and their education. Any advice would be appreciated. !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NicF Posted January 18, 2015 Share Posted January 18, 2015 Six form colleges are full of older kids and young adults taking GCSEs, A-levels and BTECs. I actually think the options for kids who aren't academic are much better in the UK than Australia (although that could just be that I don't know the system that well here). Your kids may be a year or two behind where they would have been if you had been living in the UK but they would not be out of place on course in colleges. Research the options for your kids and just go for it. I hate all this idea that kids only have one chance to get a good education. Qualifications can be taken at any time and it's pretty easy in the UK to go back into education as a mature student. Go home and be happy. The rest will come together with a bit of effort. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jordan99 Posted January 18, 2015 Author Share Posted January 18, 2015 Thank you NicF. I know in my heart that's where I want to be but as a mum we worry about the kids and what's best. I will go for it and as you said the rest will come together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted January 19, 2015 Share Posted January 19, 2015 Your kids will be fine - reports from people moving with older kids say that schools have been great at supporting them and if you are looking to apprenticeships rather than Uni that takes a lot of the pressure off for the GCSE/A Level merry go round. You could always take a career break and suck it and see! Alternatively, cast out feelers for UK jobs so you have something concrete on the table, that takes the sting out a bit. Good luck! I can attest that grandparenting via Skype sucks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jordan99 Posted January 19, 2015 Author Share Posted January 19, 2015 Thanks Quoll. These kind words help. Yeah skype/facetime just isnt the same as a sticky old hug is it?? cant wait to return to out old life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScotsQuine Posted January 19, 2015 Share Posted January 19, 2015 I was 22 and married before I finally went to college! There was a great mixture of ages in my 'Mature Adults' classes, 16 Year olds straight from high school through to 40-60 year olds who were either retraining or just educating themselves with new skills. You are the best judge when it comes to your children Jordan99, follow your gut instinct! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docboat Posted January 19, 2015 Share Posted January 19, 2015 I was 16 when we were taken from Australia to Scotland. The first school was a disaster, but that was only for a few months, until we got settled in Edinburgh. All went well, I settled into Scottish life, went to university, and left the UK as soon as possible thereafter. To be honest, I probably managed better academically because of the challenge - I had to do 4 years of biology in one year for the O Grades, and it went well with the focus. I can easily imagine another boy would not have been as happy, but that is what a parent needs to assess ... I do recall feeling totally lost in the UK, as I stood at the top of a hill with my skateboard under my arm, and no-one to skate with. I had then, as now, absolutely no interest in anything involving soccer, but coming first in the swimming carnival was a novelty - the UK children seemed to have no idea how to swim. It was all different. Some I was happy with, some I hated, but I got on with it, we had no choice. I hold no grudges against my parents - they did what they felt necessary. It broadened me, and I grew into a better, more balanced person. Different. But I am much happier to be back in Australia - wild horses would not drag me to the UK for anything more than a short visit. Your son may do as he wishes after he has left study and started his own life. Make this an adventure, let him develop, and all will be well, wherever he goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Que Sera Sera Posted January 19, 2015 Share Posted January 19, 2015 If you all want to go then do it. You've got your citizenship so if you or they change their minds they have options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Splash77 Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 We left shortly after gaining our citizenship... We returned to the UK.. We returned due to my sister having a illness I thought I was doing the right thing returning to support her... Which I'm glad I did show my support but hand on heart (DONT DO IT) its the biggest mistake I've made ... I should of just come back for a while and then returned but as times gone on my 17 year old son has met a girl and now I can't persuade him to go back... I could not leave him he's far too young....so I'm stuck in this cold grey dump waiting for him to change his mind... Australia is the best place in the world!!! Especially after coming back and seeing how people are living it's disgusting....stay where you are YOU WILL REGRET IT X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julinoz Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 Everyone is different and what makes one happy is not meant for another. We returned last year with a 12 year old and 15 year old. The 15 year old is loving life here. He has made a heap of friends (who socialise and go out far more than Australian kids) and he has slotted into the school system no problem. Kids now have to stay in education here until they are 18 unless they have a job or an apprentiship so don't worry about the kids education too much. My 12 year old I feel will be off as soon as he finishes school as the UK does not appeal to him as much as being overseas, but at least we have given them a choice in life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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