CHILDREN

If you still have children of school age you need to consider their schooling. Where important examinations are looming it is essential to discuss the options with your offspring, their current teachers and perhaps your local education authority (if they are attending state schools), since efforts need to be made to minimise disruption to their education.

Educating your children abroad

If you decide to take your children with you, do not leave anything to chance. In some countries (eg France) the state schools are excellent; in others standards leave much to be desired, and you will want to educate them privately. Since good private schools are often oversubscribed you need to register your child for a place as early as possible.

Word of mouth is the best form of recommendation, and you should ask people resident in your retirement area for guidance as to which schools are most suitable. The local British embassy or consulate will be able to give you information on English medium schools in the area but bear in mind that these often charge fees. Failing this, the European Council of International Schools publishes an annual directory of international schools all over the world which can be consulted in most libraries.

If you decide to have a crack at educating your children yourself, Worldwide Education Services (WES) can provide you with training, materials and support for children up to 13 years old. Otherwise you can investigate correspondence tuition from an organisation like Mercer’s College which specialises in correspondence courses up to ‘A’ Level. Bear in mind that learning by correspondence is not an easy option, and most children prefer to learn in the company of others.

Educating your children in the UK

If you decide to have your children educated privately in the UK, the earlier you contact the school you have in mind the better. There are a number of organisations which can offer you advice, such as Gabbitas Educational Consultants and the Independent Schools Information Service (ISIS). You should also consult Trotman’s Guide to Independent Schools.

For a retiree some school fees may seem extortionate, but there is no need to panic. As long as your child remains in the UK he is entitled to free education, and many local education authorities can provide boarding facilities for children whose parents are living abroad. You should approach the LEA, preferably through the principal of your child’s current school, at the earliest opportunity to explain your case.

The Department for Education & Employment (DFEE) publishes a Directory of Maintained Boarding Schools. The State Boarding Information Service can also advise you.

ELECTORAL REGISTRATION

If you wish to vote in elections held in the UK while you are abroad, you need to ask the electoral registration officer of your local district or borough council for a change of address form. This entitles you to vote in any parliamentary, European and local election for the duration of the current electoral register. In order to keep your voting rights in future years you need to contact the nearest British embassy or consulate on your arrival and complete the necessary form.

FINANCIAL PLANNING

This is dealt with in depth in Chapter 6. The earlier you start planning the more beneficial it will be for you, so you should seek out a qualified adviser on expatriate finance at the earliest possible opportunity. If you are unaware of any in your area, contact the local Society of Chartered Accountants or the Practitioner Bureau of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in London. A number of firms with international experience are listed in Appendix C.

FORWARDING OF MAIL

No matter how hard you try to let everybody know of your change of address there are always some people and organisations who fall through the net. If you cannot find someone to redirect your mail to your new address (your tenant or the new owner of your property) go to the local post office and ask for the relevant form. Your mail will then be redirected automatically for a specified period for a small fee.