CHOOSING & APPLYING
e know that finding the right school for their children is a top priority for relocating parents. For employers, it is essential that employees’ children are assured of a place at the school of their choice, to enable the family to accept an international assignment or a domestic relocation. With the number of international schools increasing
W
at an astonishing rate and options across state, private and international schooling to consider whatever country you are moving to, it makes sense to bring in an education expert to help you navigate the system and make informed decisions, particularly where school places are scarce or you are working to a tight time frame. The earlier you can apply for a school place, the better.
Education consultants can be found in most regions, either in the current location or in the region you are moving to. They should know which companies support particular schools and the locations expatriate families prefer to live in, to help you make your choice. They will also be able to take into account the education system your child is moving from and any particular requirements, make an efficient search for places, and recommend shortlisted schools to visit.
WHY USE AN EDUCATION CONSULTANT? Finding a home in the right location is vital, but juggling the need to be within comfortable travelling distance of both school and work can be tricky. Discussing the specific needs of your move with an education consultant can really help with the property search; their knowledge of local property and schools may save a lot of time and worry.
In some countries, such as the UK, it is important to have a permanent address in the school’s catchment area before an application for a state school can be considered. An education consultant
A consultant should know the market and understand the fluctuations in school-place availability caused by expatriate movement in certain sectors, such as financial and oil and gas. A group move or special project in an area can influence availability, but can also lead to school places becoming available. A consultant can help with the timing of the move and the application.
In a group-move situation, the independent advice of an education consultant can make all the difference to the number of families accepting a relocation offer in a new location, whether this is a domestic group move or transfer to another country.
STATE OR PRIVATE EDUCATION? Not all relocating families are looking for private,
fee-paying education. In many countries and regions, particularly where language is not an issue, the local state system may provide education in the right location that is equal in quality to that provided by fee-paying schools. However, it may be helpful to seek the advice of an education consultant with knowledge of the local state system and the quality of schools in your chosen area, as these can vary considerably.
Some consultants deal solely with finding private fee-
paying schools and will not be familiar with the process of sourcing schools in the state system, so make sure you select a consultant who is familiar with state education if this is what you require. They should also have knowledge of the private and international schools.
• If you are not sure whether to opt for state or fee-paying education, a consultant who is familiar with both state and fee-paying schools is ideal
familiar with the relocation
process will be able to coordinate with a relocation or destination services provider (DSP) sourcing suitable accommodation. Some relocation management companies (RMCs) have their own in-house education consultants, while others use the services of particular education consultants.
In an ideal world, employers would plan to move families to coincide with the start of the academic year. In fast-paced, competitive global markets, however, this isn’t always feasible, and companies may need to move their employees to take up an assignment to meet business needs.
An education consultant can be particularly helpful in sourcing schools at short notice. A good consultant should know which schools may have places. It is always worth checking if there are vacancies in the child’s year group, as families move all the time.
• If you are unsuccessful in obtaining a place in your chosen state school, engaging an education consultant to help with an appeal can be very worthwhile, as this can be a complicated and stressful process
• If you are only considering fee-paying schools, make sure your consultant specialises in this area and has good contacts and relationships with the types of schools you are looking for
• If an international school is your priority, make sure your consultant knows all the international-school options, as these will be limited to certain places. Typically, these will be economically vibrant locations which attract international businesses, or within the local of embassy or government offices. If there aren’t any international schools in the location you are moving to, ensure the education consultant understands your requirements regarding curriculum, language, cultural awareness, and numbers of international students
Keep Informed |
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