What are the best areas in Manchester for families?

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Posted by

on 14 Oct 2015

Hello - My family is moving to Manchester from Australia for my husbands work. We have three children aged 12, 10 & 9. We would initailly like to rent a house in the suburbs if not a little rural with some land and up to 5 bedrooms for guests visiting from Australia. Some other questions I have which I would appreciate any information on please.... Where are the best family friendly places to live? Where are the best/good schools? A MUST - Access to medical and orthodontic care? (one of my children and myself has a medical condition and one child has braces) Thank you in advance... I look forward to a reply. Cheers Marty

Anonymous (not verified) on 16 Oct 2015 - 11:35

Hi Tom - thanks for your contribution. I've spent the past couple of days exploring Greater Manchester via Internet and have leant some new and interesting information about education in the UK, it's definitely opened my eyes to other opportunities for my children's international education. I'll check out that website too. Thanks again, your input has be appreciated and helpful. Kind Regards, Martina

Anonymous (not verified) on 14 Oct 2015 - 19:12

Hi Shantalie - I appreciate your reply. The research I have done talks about private schools being very expensive in the UK.. I would prefer a catholic school, although my priority is a school with a great reputation where my children will be happy and feel safe and comfortable. A school community that encourages parent involvement in volunteering. I realize my two eldest will be in high school (11yrs up). So this is a big step for them and my youngest won't have the familiarity of a sibling... So that can be a scary thought too. Cheers Martina

Anonymous (not verified) on 14 Oct 2015 - 14:30

Hi Marty,

The move to Manchester sounds very exciting. I spent 3 years there as a student, and it really is a great city.

I'd recommend Didsbury as a potential area for you to settle down with the family. You can get ideas by reading our Areas and Suburbs in Manchester page.

What kind of school do you have in mind for your children?

Regards

Shantalie

Anonymous (not verified) on 16 Oct 2015 - 10:25

Hi Martina

You should also bear in mind that there are some excellent comprehensive schools too, which are free. Of course there are also some very poor ones, but you can check the Ofsted reports and the exam results to get a good idea of what they are like. Also try looking at mumsnet.com.

Regards, Tom

Anonymous (not verified) on 15 Oct 2015 - 09:52

Thanks Shantalie - Yes we are planning to make a trip over for a couple of weeks and hopefully explore our options. You have been very helpful Shantalie and I really appreciate it greatly. Thank you! Kind Regards, Martina

Anonymous (not verified) on 15 Oct 2015 - 09:13

Hi Martina,

Yes, you are right fees at private schools in the UK are high. If at all possible it is best to negotiate an allowance in to your contract of employment to allow for this expense.

Catholic schools are a great option and there are quite a few to choose from in Manchester such as St Matthew's, St Paul's and St Peter's. However, waiting lists can be long, so I'd apply as soon as possible to get the ball rolling.

Do you think you'll have the option to do a visit to Manchester with the kids so they can get a feel for the schools before making the move?

Shantalie

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