School alternative at 14yrs?

[trulyscrumptious43]

My DS has has trouble with written work since for ever but shows enthusiasm and aptitude for D&T with resistant materials, and electronics. He says he might like to become a blacksmith.
He is just starting year 10 and is deeply unhappy with school. He feels a failure as he can't produce written work to the standard required.
I would like him to start on some vocational training now, hopefully leaving his present school to do so.
Does anyone know if this is possible? I am going to get him some extra tuition to help with Maths GCSE.

[kritur]

No it isn't currentlly possible for him to 'leave' school at 14. Does he not have any vocational options in school like engineering, joinery, plumbing etc? Schools can often arrange this in parthership with other schools or the local FE college. They will sometimes also make alternative provision for work placements however this would not be full time, it is usually 2 days a week.

[snailoon]

Of course you can leave school, as long as you home educate. Why not ask some HE MNers about the options? You don't have to do anything which copies school, but can come up with more imaginative ideas.
My son took half a year off school at this age and it was the best thing he ever did.

[trulyscrumptious43]

I'm having a meeting with his teachers next week. The thing in partnership with local colleges 2 days a week sounds good. I will ask about that.
I don't think I can home educate, much as I applaud those who do. I'm a single mum and work away from home. In addition to which, DS is on the spectrum and doesn't listen to or agree with a word I say.

[Saracen]

Home education wouldn't necessarily mean that you would be the one directly supervising your son in his learning. It just means that you would be the one with responsibility for making the arrangements, rather than the school or LA making the decisions. As a result, it can be more flexible.

As an example, a young person who is home educated might be doing work placement or volunteer work, going to a local college part-time, working toward a Duke of Edinburgh award as part of a group, seeing a tutor, or working under his own steam to explore an area of interest. Or all of those things. He might not be getting taught by his mother at all.

Getting funding for the various arrangements which you want to put in place may well be an issue. Leaving your son unsupervised for any length of time may also be an issue, depending on his maturity and personality and the circumstances. Still, it could be worth exploring. Sometimes those challenges can be overcome. Feel free to come over to the home ed board if you want to discuss it.