What options are there for students with dire Alevels due to life events?( computer science )

Also, some universities have procedures in place for ‘disrupted’ education. Like an entrance exam l think.

And if he’s applied for anywhere his context will be taken into account and grades adjusted accordingly.

If you applied for an EHCP (from your description your DS would definitely get one) then your DS could get access to supported internships, which would give him a foot in the industry door.

Oh! This is my dd. ASD and struggling with school, A levels and anxiety. Bright as a button, but got ASD burnout.

Does your son get PiP? He’s entitled to a bursary for FE I’d he gets pip, and free education ( I think) you have to contact the college direct.

I feel your frustration and pain. I could weep for Dd. She’s definitely taking a year out before anything else ( that’s if we make it to A levels)

You need to try for an EHCP. We are at appeal stage atm.

Dh is a software engineer and suggests if he wants to be a programmer/ focus on coding a coding bootcamp would be a good idea. He says lots of people go down that route these days - if you're motivated at coding it's a good route into direct employment.

apprenticeship would probably be a great idea for him

My OH works in IT and has a Computer Science degree. He totally screwed up his a levels and did a foundation degree. He gpt a first and out earns me with my 4 A levels, Russel group uni followed by masters by quite some way! He says his foundation degree taught him how to study which made everything after it easier. I suspect he is also undiagnosed asc (our kids both have a diagnoses) and I think he needed extra help to know how to revise etc.

Yes it can go to mid twenties, but only further education level. Or alternative options like supported internships, placements that support independent living, access to working etc.

A young person going to University would have their EHCP ceased.

@C0p3nhag3n Various foundation courses available! Have a play on UCAS, e.g.
https://digital.ucas.com/coursedisplay/results/courses?searchTerm=Computing%20(Including%20Foundation%20Year)&studyYear=2023&destination=Undergraduate&qualifications=Bachelor%20degrees%20(with%20or%20without%20Honours)&postcodeDistanceSystem=imperial&pageNumber=1&sort=UcasTariffLowtoHigh&clearingPreference=None

DDD is 72 UCAS Tariff points for reference.

EHCPs can continue until 25, or 26 in some cases, but they don’t cover higher education, so don’t cover university.

Don't they go to twenties?

What does he want to do long term? In a lot of IT much more emphasis is on experience over a degree. My DH is a CTO and rarely employees graduates as he finds they have no idea when it comes to actually putting things into practice and so much of what they are taught even at degree level is crap for CS.

My DS is 16 and going into an apprenticeship with a company DH knows and I think he will get further that way (plus not start his career 40k in debt!).

Does your DS code/program etc in his spare time? Does he have any work experience at all?

Many many people go to Uni later - I went at 25. Do you honestly think that were he, by some fluke, to get the grades he needs to get to Uni now,he’d be well enough to manage? It sounds like he needs to take time to get himself well and strong again before considering Uni.

Has he applied this year? If not wait until results day and, if needs be, look at those which appear in Clearing so you know which unis are safer places to target next year with his results in hand. He could resit the papers but it may not be necessary and for cs he could probably find related stand-alone courses at college or work experience to mention on his personal statement. I believe the revised ucas application form has space for explaining such issues, the school reference can also mention it, and he may qualify for a contextual offer as a result.

DS2 got rubbish A levels and did a Foundation degree, then topped up to Honours and got a First (not computing). It was definitely the right approach for him. He found exam’s extremely difficult to cope with but delivered a brilliant dissertation and that made up for the not so brilliant but sufficient exam elements.

Can't he just repeat 1 year so he can resit exams ?

Would he consider working instead, and perhaps pursuing CS through other means or evening courses or other qualifications?

I have a degree, but i left uni not having a clue what i wanted to do. I ended up getting a job at a call centre and working my way up. I now work in head offices working on process improvement for utilties.

Most unis do foundation CS for those with lower grades. My DS is doing CS and has friends who came in on foundation. Best thing is to look at the courses on the uni websites to see what the grades are. Where my DS is the foundation is CCC with ABB for direct entry into the Bsc

I second @Punxsutawney’s posts. An EHCP will help and allow DS to access therapies, other therapeutic support and further education, including resitting A levels. If the current college can’t admit older students there are other options, including 1:1 tuition if there isn’t another suitable placement.

He would be able to take out an Advanced learner loan for the Access course and once completes a degree this would be wiped.

Could he take a foundation course at local college then apply for a degree. Much will depend on subject and location. Access courses are usually for those over 19 who have no level 3 (A level equivalent) and won't be funded. Is an apprenticeship an option?