Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to think my son can pursue further education without GCSE English or Maths?

58 replies

Italiangreyhound · 23/08/2026 13:17

AIBU to think my son can pursue further education without GCSE English or Maths?

My son had some very difficult mental health issues in school, and also the end of his school career coincided with Covid. He is now 21.

He did go to college (with an EHCP) and got a Certificate in animal care and maintenance, and had one GCSE already, but not GCSE English or Maths.

Due to physical health issues, he has now been out of education and work for three years.

I am very keen for him to resume some education, prior to getting into paid work.

What could he consider, please? He is very bright, but dyslexic. Could Open University offer something suitable? His big passion is animals. I wondered about the environment, bio-diversity etc. Anyone got any experience of this type of subject at higher level for 'returning' students without GCSE English or Maths, please?

OP posts:
BreadInCaptivity · 23/08/2026 13:56

@ItaliangreyhoundEHCP’s can be re-opened up until the age of 25.

I’d rather not give details but I am supporting someone of a similar age to your son to do just that, having left education as a teen and is now in a position to re-engage.

I’d contact your LA SEN team and ask what the protocol is. As stands I’ve supported the young person to complete a pretty hefty “re-opening” application form.

What I have been told is having a very clear goal in terms of onward employment opportunities helps as the LA recognises the “win” of helping someone gain qualifications that have a good chance of leading to employment vs ongoing support if they remain dependent on benefits and/or adult social care.

inthequietofdawn · 23/08/2026 13:54

Did the EHCP formally cease with the LA following the correct procedure for ceasing to maintain, or did it just stop as in the LA didn’t bother doing anything about it/provide anything?

I ask because some think the EHCP has stopped when it is the latter and whether DS has an EHCP or not will be important for knowing what is available.

If the former, I would request another EHCNA. Don’t be put off by anyone saying DS has been out of education for years. He has only been out of education because the LA failed him. The scope of education is wide and even if DS wasn’t in a position to attend college, he could still have received provision, including in relation to his chronic fatigue, via the EHCP. For example, it is quite easy to build a bespoke package around animals.

Oliwiaa · 23/08/2026 13:51

Is he capable of getting maths and English GCSE?
I would probably look at getting them or functional skills first as that will open up more options to him.

Original poster
Italiangreyhound · 23/08/2026 13:46

TeenToTwenties

Howdy..."I didn't spot it was your user name"

Yes, it's me. It's my older son I am asking about, not the adopted one.

"With his EHCP they could disapply the need for maths&english if they think he can't pass but otherwise able enough for the L3."

Sadly, once he stopped education his EHCP stopped.

NSEW

"I would suggest going back as a mature student to take his GCSE English and Maths, alongside a Diploma in his area of interest.
Student loans for Further Education are available. Look up your nearest colleges to see what is available. Use ChatGPT to help you."

That's a great suggestion, thank you.

SunCloudRain

"Is it likely he can really get a job in these areas, is he capable and healthy enough? Or is it something fun to do to get him used to following a routine before finding a job?

More of the latter. He is still very unwell. He loves animals and really wants to work in this area, but he has Chronic Fatigue (and two medical conditions), and animals need constant care at set times which is difficult for people with health issues. A fair bit of animal care is also grunt work, cleaning up etc, which he is happy to do but not healthy enough for. I have tried to encourage him in other areas but he loves animals. So it is partly just seeing what options he has.

"I say the above because this is exactly where my ds is, doing something fun at an agricultural college without a hope in hell of ever working in that industry. He's gaining lots of valuable transferable skills and demonstrating he can commit, show up and complete and hopefully he will grow up a bit more whilst the general job market improves."

We do live in a fairly rural area so an agricultural college may be possible.

I wish your son all the best.

OP posts:
SunCloudRain · 23/08/2026 13:30

I'd look at your local colleges plus the closest agricultural college.

Is it likely he can really get a job in these areas, is he capable and healthy enough? Or is it something fun to do to get him used to following a routine before finding a job?

I say the above because this is exactly where my ds is, doing something fun at an agricultural college without a hope in hell of ever working in that industry. He's gaining lots of valuable transferable skills and demonstrating he can commit, show up and complete and hopefully he will grow up a bit more whilst the general job market improves.

TeenToTwenties · 23/08/2026 13:27

@Italiangreyhound I didn't spot it was your user name Smile .

NSEW · 23/08/2026 13:25

I would suggest going back as a mature student to take his GCSE English and Maths, alongside a Diploma in his area of interest.

Student loans for Further Education are available. Look up your nearest colleges to see what is available. Use ChatGPT to help you.

TeenToTwenties · 23/08/2026 13:23

Could he just not do the level 3 Animal Management extended diploma? (Or if only has the L2 Certificate he could upgrade to the diploma) (Or does he have the level3 already? I'm unclear)

With his EHCP they could disapply the need for maths&english if they think he can't pass but otherwise able enough for the L3.

He is old enough to be able to do free courses in maths & english GCSE or Functional Skills.

Swipe left for the next trending thread