Daughter leaving college

[Coffee149]

My 17 year old daughter has decided to leave her college course. It isn't really what I want, but she suffers from mental health issues. I just want her to be happy. She is considering apprenticeships, but you have to be 18 for the ones she is interested in. She may also start another course in September, not sure if this is going to cost! She works part time and is hoping to get some extra shifts.

I have told child benefit and I understand this will stop. Plus we will start paying for medication, dentist etc.

Anything else I need to consider or any advice?

She should be able to start another college course in September... but you would need to check with the college. Where I worked didn't automatically accept students onto another course if their attendance and effort had been poor.

If she's also considering an apprenticeship, are there any free online courses that she could do now that would demonstrate how keen she is? (Maybe look on FutureLearn, Coursera etc).

That's a good idea, I will get her to look at the online courses. Also to speak to the college, they haven't been much help really.

Thanks

Your daughter needs to be under 19 at the start of the next course for it to be free. Have you got to the bottom of why she wants to leave - is she studying online, missing her friends? I would use this time to find out what she really wants to do next - try not to rush her onto the next step until she is ready.