Educating a 13 year old in Toulouse or Clermont-Ferrand: help needed!

[oldbear1962]

Hi everybody,

We are brand new to the forum and in need of some solid advice on integrating our son into French education in two years' time when he is 13.

Like so many others we are sick of the UK and long for a country that still cares about family life. The plan was hatched 3 years ago so it's no rushed decision, but with less than 2 years until we take early retirement the time has come to seek advice.

The crucial element is our son, needles to say. Firstly, the reason we have selected Toulouse or Clermont is that he is a gifted rugby player with a decent chance of actually making something of himself in the game, so access to a major club close by is absolutely essential. We fell in love with Toulouse as soon as we first visited, but we suspect that house prices in Clermont-Ferrand are cheaper and it's good to have an alternative.

Obviously 13-14 is a tricky age to move a child out, and although he starts extra French lessons this autumn with a view to getting up to speed with the language we cannot be certain how rapidly this will progress, and with the clock ticking we are in the phase where we planned to reach out for advice and help.

We cannot afford a private school, but we have read about various state schools with international sections and we were hoping somebody may have trodden this path before us and be able to pass on some advice.

So, after that long intro which probably put most of you off(!), can anybody help with advice on schools in either area that would fit our needs, and when we should start looking at enrollment if appropriate.

Many thanks.

Ian

[giantpanda]

Hi!

You could consider to send him to France during the holiday period before you move.

Yours,

giantpanda