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melvbot · 03-07-2009, 09:55 AM

I wasn't sure where this would fit in so if there are any mods on this forum

move as required please.

Im thinking of going back to the UK for a bit, I think it would be good to earn some money for a change as well as getting my eldest son into a half decent(?) education system. He speaks English fine but his reading and writing arent the best at the moment.

With the state of immigration in the UK I would guess that most schools have something in place already for kids in a similar situation, i.e integration of johnny foreigners.

Does anyone have any experience of this already?
Is there anyone special/useful to contact about this sort of thing?

Ive already contacted the local authority and the school I would like him to attend but as its Friday and approaching the end of the school term in the UK I might not get much of a response.

jandajoy · 03-07-2009, 09:57 AM

Where abouts in the UK?

melvbot · 03-07-2009, 10:00 AM

We will be moving back to the loveliest bit of Leicestershire there is.

Loy Toy · 03-07-2009, 10:02 AM

Good luck Melv and I hope everything goes smoothly for you.

A big step for the family but one I am sure you have thought through!

melvbot · 03-07-2009, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loy Toy

Good luck Melv and I hope everything goes smoothly for you.

A big step for the family but one I am sure you have thought through!

Thanks. I have thought it through and it seems like the best option at the moment. Im planning on doing a course if I return which I could do from here online but I'd like the kids to see the other part of their heritage as well. The wife enjoyed it last time we were there and it would be nice for my parents to spend some time with the kids.

melvbot · 03-07-2009, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jandajoy

Where abouts in the UK?

Was there a point to this question?

jandajoy · 03-07-2009, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melvbot

Was there a point to this question?

Yes. If you were going to an area, LEA, in which I'd worked I could comment. You're not, so I won't.

tjyflhol · 03-07-2009, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melvbot

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loy Toy

Good luck Melv and I hope everything goes smoothly for you.

A big step for the family but one I am sure you have thought through!

Thanks. I have thought it through and it seems like the best option at the moment. Im planning on doing a course if I return which I could do from here online but I'd like the kids to see the other part of their heritage as well. The wife enjoyed it last time we were there and it would be nice for my parents to spend some time with the kids.

I think it's a great idea too, and I think I would return to England if I had kids at schooling age. I think there is something to be said about bringing them up with their English culture, grandparents/family etc.

jim1176 · 03-07-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjyflhol

I think there is something to be said about bringing them up with their English culture

and what might that be, meet some mates to drink with, move to pattaya maybe

melvbot · 03-07-2009, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim1176

and what might that be, meet some mates to drink with, move to pattaya maybe

Nothing useful to add as usual Jim?

madjbs · 03-07-2009, 12:24 PM

If you have enough money, your kids will be much better off being sent to a decent international school in Bangkok. Work ethic and the general attitude of a large majority of the kids in UK state schools, is simply awful. Not to mention the poor facilities and lack of decent extra curricular activities.

tjyflhol · 03-07-2009, 12:34 PM

International schools are so expensive here though, I expect the cost is an issue for many.

I think if the kids are put into a decent school and with the right parental guidance a UK state school should be as good as a BKK international school, shouldn't it? I imagine they both have their advantages and disadvantages.

madjbs · 03-07-2009, 12:44 PM

I went to both as a kid and I can honestly tell you that there was not a single advantage to the UK state school. Biggest problem was the large number of delinquent kids who basically ruin it for anyone with a work ethic or some intelligence. This was at a very highly rated state school, I hate to think what other schools are like.

Compare that with international schools, where the kids tend to be a lot nicer and harder working and once you include the facilities and extra activities on offer, there is no comparison at all.

I lived in Asia all my life apart from a few years back in the UK for some schooling. Apart from making some good friends, it was a bad idea from an educational point of view.

Of course we shouldn't really compare the two, as one costs up to 600,000 baht a year, while the other is free.

melvbot · 03-07-2009, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjyflhol

I think if the kids are put into a decent school and with the right parental guidance a UK state school should be as good as a BKK international school, shouldn't it? I imagine they both have their advantages and disadvantages.

I think thats what affects the work ethic and attitude. Im sure theres international schools that dont really live up to the amount you can pay for them. Im not interested in moving back to Bangkok, been there done that.

Loy Toy · 03-07-2009, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melvbot

The wife enjoyed it last time we were there and it would be nice for my parents to spend some time with the kids.

Now is a great time to do it then and what course are gong to study?

melvbot · 03-07-2009, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loy Toy

Quote:

Originally Posted by melvbot

The wife enjoyed it last time we were there and it would be nice for my parents to spend some time with the kids.

Now is a great time to do it then and what course are gong to study?

Its a great time because the school holidays are in effect, gives me a bit of time to arrange a school, weathers better so they (wife more than sons) can get ready for the winter.
Course-wise would be something IT tech based I guess.

jandajoy · 03-07-2009, 12:58 PM

This might be of use.

Primary school league tables: Leicestershire Sats results 2008 | Education | guardian.co.uk

jandajoy · 03-07-2009, 01:01 PM

I don't know the age of your children, so here's this.

Secondary School League Tables: The Top 50 Independent Schools at A-level* - Education News, Education - The Independent

Loy Toy · 03-07-2009, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melvbot

Its a great time because the school holidays are in effect, gives me a bit of time to arrange a school, weathers better so they (wife more than sons) can get ready for the winter. Course-wise would be something IT tech based I guess.

I bet you your loved one's will really benefit from this experience and Thailand will be here and when you wish to return.

The worlds your oyster mate and your kids are extremely lucky!

madjbs · 03-07-2009, 01:09 PM

Secondary School League Tables: The Top 50 Comprehensive Schools at A-level* - Education News, Education - The Independent

This is for state schools, JJ's list was for public schools.

jandajoy · 03-07-2009, 01:15 PM

As far as Independent schools go it's well worth researching grants and scholarships. They all do them.

melvbot · 03-07-2009, 01:21 PM

The eldest is 7 so its for primary schools. Thanks for the links, very useful.

Nawty · 03-07-2009, 02:08 PM

'english culture'.....

I thought of BobsKnob when I read this.......made I larf it did...

melvbot · 03-07-2009, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nawty

'english culture'.....

I thought of BobsKnob when I read this.......made I larf it did...

If you haven't got anything constructive to add find some other thread to pollute.

mrsquirrel · 03-07-2009, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melvbot

With the state of immigration in the UK I would guess that most schools have something in place already for kids in a similar situation, i.e integration of johnny foreigners.

Not quite.

If they don't have enough kids whose English isn't their first language they can't get funding for ESOL tutors. Have to check and see.

Then you have to ask the question. "Do I want my kid to go to a school where there are lots of kids whose English isn't their first language?."

I certainly wouldn't. Means poorer kids, lower quality of education, less time for teachers concentrating on learning the subject matter.

03-07-2009, 09:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
melvbot Hello World Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Infinite Loop Posts: 5,936	Returning to the UK and schooling for children I wasn't sure where this would fit in so if there are any mods on this forum move as required please. Im thinking of going back to the UK for a bit, I think it would be good to earn some money for a change as well as getting my eldest son into a half decent(?) education system. He speaks English fine but his reading and writing arent the best at the moment. With the state of immigration in the UK I would guess that most schools have something in place already for kids in a similar situation, i.e integration of johnny foreigners. Does anyone have any experience of this already? Is there anyone special/useful to contact about this sort of thing? Ive already contacted the local authority and the school I would like him to attend but as its Friday and approaching the end of the school term in the UK I might not get much of a response. __________________ The Geek Shall Inherit The Earth

03-07-2009, 12:44 PM	#13 (permalink)
madjbs Thailand Expat Last Online: 21-04-2013 05:59 PM Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bangkok Posts: 1,544	I went to both as a kid and I can honestly tell you that there was not a single advantage to the UK state school. Biggest problem was the large number of delinquent kids who basically ruin it for anyone with a work ethic or some intelligence. This was at a very highly rated state school, I hate to think what other schools are like. Compare that with international schools, where the kids tend to be a lot nicer and harder working and once you include the facilities and extra activities on offer, there is no comparison at all. I lived in Asia all my life apart from a few years back in the UK for some schooling. Apart from making some good friends, it was a bad idea from an educational point of view. Of course we shouldn't really compare the two, as one costs up to 600,000 baht a year, while the other is free. Last edited by madjbs : 03-07-2009 at 12:52 PM.

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03-07-2009, 09:57 AM	#2 (permalink)
jandajoy Thailand Expat Last Online: 11-12-2012 08:39 AM Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 19,642	Where abouts in the UK?

03-07-2009, 10:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
melvbot Hello World Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Infinite Loop Posts: 5,936	We will be moving back to the loveliest bit of Leicestershire there is.

03-07-2009, 10:02 AM	#4 (permalink)
Loy Toy On a walkabout Last Online: Today 07:37 PM Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 21,045	Good luck Melv and I hope everything goes smoothly for you. A big step for the family but one I am sure you have thought through!

03-07-2009, 12:24 PM	#11 (permalink)
madjbs Thailand Expat Last Online: 21-04-2013 05:59 PM Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bangkok Posts: 1,544	If you have enough money, your kids will be much better off being sent to a decent international school in Bangkok. Work ethic and the general attitude of a large majority of the kids in UK state schools, is simply awful. Not to mention the poor facilities and lack of decent extra curricular activities.

03-07-2009, 12:34 PM	#12 (permalink)
tjyflhol Member Last Online: 10-09-2009 02:28 AM Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 898	International schools are so expensive here though, I expect the cost is an issue for many. I think if the kids are put into a decent school and with the right parental guidance a UK state school should be as good as a BKK international school, shouldn't it? I imagine they both have their advantages and disadvantages.

03-07-2009, 12:58 PM	#17 (permalink)
jandajoy Thailand Expat Last Online: 11-12-2012 08:39 AM Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 19,642	This might be of use. Primary school league tables: Leicestershire Sats results 2008 \| Education \| guardian.co.uk

03-07-2009, 01:01 PM	#18 (permalink)
jandajoy Thailand Expat Last Online: 11-12-2012 08:39 AM Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 19,642	I don't know the age of your children, so here's this. Secondary School League Tables: The Top 50 Independent Schools at A-level* - Education News, Education - The Independent

03-07-2009, 01:09 PM	#20 (permalink)
madjbs Thailand Expat Last Online: 21-04-2013 05:59 PM Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bangkok Posts: 1,544	Secondary School League Tables: The Top 50 Comprehensive Schools at A-level* - Education News, Education - The Independent This is for state schools, JJ's list was for public schools.

03-07-2009, 01:15 PM	#21 (permalink)
jandajoy Thailand Expat Last Online: 11-12-2012 08:39 AM Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 19,642	As far as Independent schools go it's well worth researching grants and scholarships. They all do them.

03-07-2009, 01:21 PM	#22 (permalink)
melvbot Hello World Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Infinite Loop Posts: 5,936	The eldest is 7 so its for primary schools. Thanks for the links, very useful.

03-07-2009, 02:08 PM	#23 (permalink)
Nawty Boxed Member Last Online: 24-04-2013 10:06 PM Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: in a state of mind Posts: 9,719	'english culture'..... I thought of BobsKnob when I read this.......made I larf it did...

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