Hi from Arizona

Margail · #1 (**permalink**) 5th June 2008, 08:16 PM

My husband has received a job offer in Luton, and we need to decide if we should go. I would have an 8, 7, and 17 year old going with us and I am having a hard time finding out about the schools over there and if my children would have to go to an American school or if they would be aloud to go to a regular school in London. I am both scared and excited but we need to be sure this is the right thing for our family. If anyone can help direct us on the school situation that would be great and probably help us make a better choice.

Bevdeforges · #2 (**permalink**) 5th June 2008, 09:26 PM

Hi and welcome to the forum.

There is a group in London called FOCUS that publishes lots of information for the expat community there. They have a sister association called WICE here in Paris.

FOCUS has quite a bit of information on their website that might help you. Focus Information Services - Education

Another good source of information would be any of the many American expat associations in the area. Embassy of the U.S. London: Consular Affairs: American Organizations in the UK From this link, go to the bottom of the page to "Women's Clubs" - they often have information available about the various schools in their area.

Your choice about schools may depend on how long you plan on staying in the UK. For example, if your 17 year old is planning on going back to university in the US, it might be better to finish off high school in an American program, complete with SATs and whatever else.
Cheers,
Bev

MichelleAlison · #3 (**permalink**) 6th June 2008, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margail

My husband has received a job offer in Luton, and we need to decide if we should go. I would have an 8, 7, and 17 year old going with us and I am having a hard time finding out about the schools over there and if my children would have to go to an American school or if they would be aloud to go to a regular school in London. I am both scared and excited but we need to be sure this is the right thing for our family. If anyone can help direct us on the school situation that would be great and probably help us make a better choice.

Hi and welcome.

This link Luton Borough Council Homepage will give you contact details of Luton Town Council. You can e-mail them regarding schools. The British school system cut-off date is 31 August. Unless your children have birthdays before this date, they will be in years 2 and 3. Children normally go to the nearest primary school to their home, so keep this in mind when searching for accommodation.

Your 17 year old will be better going to a local college and studying a subject that they like i.e. computers etc. These courses usually last about two years and then give access to University.

The British school year goes from September to July, so the kids are about to go on summer holidays.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Michelle

jlms · #4 (**permalink**) 6th June 2008, 04:12 AM

Something to keep in mind is that Luton is not really in London, it is a town 30 minutes out of London by train.

It does not have a great reputation a towns go, simply google aroundand form an opinion about it.

it is always possible to live elsewhere of course (I believe St Albans is in the same rail track, this has far a better reputation.

MichelleAlison · #5 (**permalink**) 6th June 2008, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlms

Something to keep in mind is that Luton is not really in London, it is a town 30 minutes out of London by train.

It does not have a great reputation a towns go, simply google aroundand form an opinion about it.

it is always possible to live elsewhere of course (I believe St Albans is in the same rail track, this has far a better reputation.

jlms is right about St. Albans being a much nicer area and very historical.

Michelle

kaz101 · #6 (**permalink**) 6th June 2008, 10:01 PM

As with any towns Luton has good and bad areas. There are some wonderful parks and the town centre is in the process of being upgraded. My parents have lived there for years and love it since they live near Wardown Park. It is about 30 minutes from London by train on the Capitalconnect service (used to be called Thameslink). The Dunstable downs are only a short car ride away and are lovely on a sunny day.

When my parents initially said they were moving to Luton I couldn't believe it because of what I had heard. When they moved there I found out all the good things about the area - so much so that we bought a couple of investment properties in the area (sorry they are tenanted at present).

Luton has theatres, cinemas, parks and is very multi-cultural. If you want a good restaurant try Jabal Lebanon in Wellington St. We lived with my parents for a month last year before moving to Australia and had loads of farewell dinners there. Fantastic food!

Denbigh high school in Alexandra Avenue has a very good reputation but I'm not sure that your children will be the right age for it.

Hope that gives you an idea of the good things in Luton

Regards,
Karen

Margail · #7 (**permalink**) 9th June 2008, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlms

Something to keep in mind is that Luton is not really in London, it is a town 30 minutes out of London by train.

It does not have a great reputation a towns go, simply google aroundand form an opinion about it.

it is always possible to live elsewhere of course (I believe St Albans is in the same rail track, this has far a better reputation.

My Aunt used to live in Yorkshire and loved it but she could not tell me about the town of Luton...having never been to London myself, we don't even know where to really look for housing. My husband would be working at the airport in Luton but if it is not a great town to live you would know better than me. We have two younger children and one that is 17yrs so I would like a place that is clean, safe and family friendly. I don't expect London to be like the place that I am from, but it is a huge decision to move to another country and I feel like a fish out of water so to speek. I would love a good school for my children and places to walk and enjoy the beautiful country of England.
Thank you for pointing that out about Luton, it will help.

kaz101 · #8 (**permalink**) 9th June 2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margail

enjoy the beautiful country of England.
Thank you for pointing that out about Luton, it will help.

Dunstable downs is beautiful and it's just outside Luton. Dunstable is almost joined to Luton but has a smaller town feel if that's what you'd prefer. St Albans is very nice and a lot more expensive so it may depend on your budget.

Regards,
Karen