16/17 year old kicked out of college - what now

[Nobranothanks]

I wondered if anyone had been in a similar situation and could advise what the next steps are?

DSS17 has just been kicked out of college for behaving like a muppet (for the record I'm v close to DSS before the wicked step mother police appear 😊)

we've found out today that he has done nothing but misbehave and behave like a pleb for the entire year - he was like this at school, hence going to college instead as he much prefers practical things to academic.

The issue is he must stay in education until 18. The college will flat out not accept him back for next year on any course. His plan was always to do an apprenticeship instead of college however competition is so high in our area that he was unable to get one. Obviously he will try again for next year.

My question is, has anyone been in this situation? What happens if he cannot get an apprenticeship and is therefore not in education next year? Does anyone have any experience?

What does behave like a pleb mean? Behave like a peasant?

Sorry, I forget not everyone knows my random slang 😂 he's been behaving like an utter twat for the entire year and it's only just come out today

Why does he behave so badly? How long ago did his parents split up?

Behave like a pleb 🤣🤣🤣 love that expression. I also use plank!

He can do some PT education or training whilst working or volunteering 20 hours a week minimum.

Could you look at evening classes locally or another college he could do something at?

He's always been the same - ever since reception. There was question marked adhd at school. Without going into too much detail I think there are many contributing factors as to why he does what he does - number one is because he thinks it makes him look cool and its funny, number 2 is because he isn't an "academic" whizz so he'd rather fuck about than get things wrong. (he is very well supported, encouraged and not remotely pressured or anything - genuinely) That said he is a very intelligent boy and excels at things that interest him. I believe the issues at college have been partially boredom, his grades meant he could only do an entry level course but for this particular subject I think a higher one would have been more interesting too him if that makes sense.

Not that this is relevant to my question really lol.

Nothing happens. The govt just decided one day to say all the U18s had to stay in education to get rid of the problem of the large number of 16 and 17 year olds not in Employment, Education or Training. As most of the support services don't exist anymore I doubt anyone will know let alone actually do anything. Other than that CB will stop at the end of August.

Has he explained why he has behaved like that?

I wasn't sure if evening courses would count so that's great news as he could Work and do that - the last thing he needs is to sit doing nothing. I'm waiting for the LEA to call me back as to what he can and can't do!

Could he be assessed for dyslexia/ADHD?

His dad is having a discussion with him now. His normal answer is "I didn't do that/they're lying/it was funny"

Look again at apprenticeship, I work for a social enterprise and we actively look for those young people who would struggle to find an apprenticeship, we do level 2 apprenticeships. We put in wraparound support to help with their employment barriers. We are small and in a very specific area, but don't discount an apprenticeship

@ramoantivy - all roads that have been travelled Down.

That's not really what the question is at the moment - it's what happens if we can't come up with something for next year (no Offence intended or rudeness 😊)

Thankyou for that @aurore11 it's good to hear some positives! We're definitely not discounted it and will be actively trying to make it happen. I'm just trying to find an answer for his mum and dad as to what happens if not

If today is the first you've heard of it from the college, I think you've got grounds for complaint op. If they've been having issues with him all year you should have known about it long before this point!

Why can’t he get a job?

Maybe keep further education open for when he’s ready to buckle down.

What about the forces, Navy or RAF?

You should contact the local councils careers advice service for young people.

@Nobranothanks

His dad is having a discussion with him now. His normal answer is "I didn't do that/they're lying/it was funny"

He sounds extremely immature. I don't think the armed forces would take him. If he is unable to even admit his offensive behaviour that is a bit worrying. He will have to explain his expulsion at future interviews as well - is he aware of this ?

Hopefully this will be a shock for him to grow up. What does he want to do for his life? Any interests? He could get a job and find something he loves though the jobs that allow you to get decent wage with no formal qualification past GCSE are thin on ground these days.

How about he tries a neurodiversity screener to see his areas of strengths and weakness and get recommendations on strategies going forward? My organisation is looking at the Do It Profiler - which simultaneously screens for multiple conditions - eg ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia etc (features of some of these conditions can overlap and it's not uncommon for a person diagnosed with one to also be diagnosed with another. )

The screener won't give a diagnosis of anything but it does apparently give a breakdown of performance in a variety of areas and then recommendations. I think they have a neurodiversity app (which can only be used once as a test) that is fairly quick to complete and may give an idea of barriers. The info might be helpful if he decides it's worthwhile pursing anything further for diagnosis.

@LycraCladLucy

Why can’t he get a job?

Maybe keep further education open for when he’s ready to buckle down.

What about the forces, Navy or RAF?

The forces wouldn't touch him with a barge pole, I suspect. If he can't cope with the discipline of school and college (which is minimal at best) I doubt if he'd survive in the forces.

How about the forces?
Would that interest him? He could get a good trade that way too.

He is immature in a lot of respects. We're hoping this may shock him into growing up. It would be awesome if he'd get a job, tbh I think that would be better so he can Mature and see what the real world is like BUT we're unsure if he is allowed given that he's meant to be in education until 18.

As for this being the first we'd heard of it - there is a possibility that his mum knew (whole other thread)

There is literally no mechanism for this. Except you dont get child benefit any more (if relevant).
Time for him to find some sort of job and get on with it.

Also, the college course is something he loves and is passionate/knowledgeable about - even more baffling and also my reason for thinking boredom could be a factor.

If I had my way he would come and live with us however this is unlikely to happen even though it is likely to be very beneficial for him.

I'm totally going to have to name change after this I think lol!

Seems to be that if we can't sort some sort of education out for him that nobody will end up in jail so that's a bonus I suppose! (sarcasm)

OP the "requirement" is for individuals to be in education, employment or training. Hopefully you will find something that suits him but if not, nothing will happen but he won't be able to claim the usual benefits.