A levels-significant mental health issues -doctor’s letter...

[BertrandRussell]

Friends child has had significant mental health issues for most of 5th form.Schoool very aware and supportive. He’s been on anti depressants since Christmas and better but still not brilliant. His A level work has been hit and miss, and the school has asked friend to get a letter from his doctor to submit to the exam board. Does anyone know what she should ask the doctor to say? Or is there a standard form of words that the dr will know about?

That should say 6th form, of course, not 5th.

Hopeful bump....

I’m not sure if there’s any specific wording. I know one of our local GPs has a standard letter they give to students who need a letter re their mental health for uni. Not sure what the exam board requirements are though..? Is it a GP or psychiatrist that they’re getting the letter from?

I think she’s going to phone the GP tomorrow. I don’t think he’s seen a psychiatrist. CAHMS, the counsellor at school and the GP only.

They need to speak to the exam officer at the school to get advice re the content of the letter. They’ll need a copy for each exam board they are sitting exams for.
They then need the school to request special consideration. The letter from the doctors should detail the diagnosis and impact of the illness. The exam board will then consider whether to allow special access arrangements etc.
They should also contact universities, if they are applying, as they may get an offer that takes account of the impact of the illness.

They might also want to discuss option of resitting a year now treatment has started. That might give them a better outcome than a 10% uplift.