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Original poster

Any advice for teen boy that doesn't want to do anything post GCSE?

36 replies

JPW1974 · 24/08/2023 13:07

Son didn't get the grades for 6th form, and is devastated. Angry, won't talk.
Has places at college for other topics, but at the moment saying he won't be going as it was our idea, he never wanted to go.

So, at the moment, he will be doing nothing when the next term starts...

Anybody else found themselves in this situation? If so, any tips on how to get out of it and move on?

He passed maths and English, so great news and massive relief there, but only got 33/40 points needed for 6th form.

I think the main issue at the moment is the feeling that failure as so many of his friends are going to 6th form.

I just don't what happens if he continues to refuse to do anything else.

OP posts:
Clymene · 24/08/2023 13:18

Firstly, I'm really sorry. He sounds so disappointed and it must be horrible to feel like you're the only one (although I'm sure he's wrong).

Have you explored other options? I don't mean with him, I mean have you looked around other local alternatives which you can discuss with him once he's calmed down a bit. I agree that I'd leave him for 24 hours at least.

The council runs drop in sessions here for kids who don't get the grades they need so may be worth looking into as well.

LBFseBrom · 24/08/2023 13:17

Just be patient, kind, and leave it up to him.

StressedMumOf2Girls · 24/08/2023 13:17

I think he just needs some time to process. Give it a few days but in the meantime, speak to his 6th form and see if they would accept him even if it means doing a different set of subjects (and also ask DS once he's calmed down if he would actually do those subjects...)

And if 6th form is out of the question, then yes have a look at colleges again. But I truly think he just needs time to process it all. He's probably more angry at himself than anybody else.

Stickortwister · 24/08/2023 13:16

In your boat. No idea what to do either. Currently quietly checking other sixth form entry requirements while he's shut himself in his room. Gutted for him.
Made more complicated by the subjects he loves and wants to do in the future are the ones he bombed :(

Twizbe · 24/08/2023 13:15

Give him time. It’s a lot to process in a short amount of time.

talk to him and tell him to take 24 hours to feel all the emotions. Tomorrow you can talk to the sixth form about options / the colleges about options and what he’d like to do.

For now though, tea and sympathy.

LadyofLansallos · 24/08/2023 13:14

Give him a little more time to process

HappiDaze · 24/08/2023 13:12

He'll need a while to process it all poor lad

It'll all work out in the end

Lamelie · 24/08/2023 13:11

Military? He could do anything. And I’m not saying that in a cannon fodder way- army family with impressive careers.

HappiDaze · 24/08/2023 13:10

BTEC, apprenticeship, vocational course at college

ClarkWGriswaldd · 24/08/2023 13:09

As he passed maths and English, is there any way the 6th form will take him? Have you spoken to them?

HappiDaze · 24/08/2023 13:08

Can his school advise him ?