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Further education

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Original poster

Sixth Form closing… where next?

31 replies

Inspectorflange · 22/05/2025 14:27

My 17 year old failed his maths and English GCSEs so had to stay on into the sixth form to retake them. He wanted to stay on originally to take A levels in sports science but because he had to resit his math and English didn’t get to choose his subjects. He was put into the travel and tourism class which is a BTec.
Anyway, now the school have suddenly decided to close the sixth form and he’s really confused about where to go next.
He still wants to do A levels but does he have to apply to a different sixth form at a different school? Does he apply to a college?
His plan was to resit the maths and English then start A levels in his chosen subject in September, but that’s not happening now.
We spoke to his teacher but they’re not really interested anymore seeing as the sixth form is closing next month.
Any advice?

OP posts:
YinYangalang · 23/05/2025 08:37

He can always take a year out! Better than rush. OP doesn’t indicate how successful his GCSE resits are likely to be. We need more facts from OP.

I know age and A levels is a factor so you may be right in that time is if the essence. But, without the pass in the GCSE resits A levels may not be an option.

Sundews · 23/05/2025 08:35

YinYangalang · 23/05/2025 08:15

See how he does in his GCSE resits. Go from there.

Nooo that is leaving it much too late! Colleges and sixth forms will have filled their places by then and he will have much less choice of courses.

OP - look out for open days at your local colleges and sixth forms and both of you go to them, talk to staff about what courses they have that would be of interest to your DS. Some 6th forms will have already closed their enrolment but colleges will still be recruiting.

YinYangalang · 23/05/2025 08:15

See how he does in his GCSE resits. Go from there.

tutreee · 23/05/2025 08:13

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This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

TeenToTwenties · 22/05/2025 16:20

Is his T&T a level 2 or level 3?

A levels sound a push if he failed both Maths and English first time round, what were his other GCSE grades like?

He might be better with an Extended Diploma BTEC or T-Level.

He didn't 'have' to stay at the 6th form, he could have gone to college.
'He was put' sounds very passive. Was it a point of doing whatever the school did rather than an active choice?

Look at colleges.

xmasdealhunter · 22/05/2025 14:42

Is he sitting his re-take GCSEs this year?
Each sixth form will have it's own policy about admitting DC from the year above into year 12, so it's worth phoning local sixth forms and explaining the situation, and asking the question. Have a look at the grade requirements for the a levels he wants to do and if he meets them give them a ring.
He could also apply to local colleges, with the same process.
If you don't mind saying what area you're in people might be able to give local suggestions 😊

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