No GCSE's? What next?

[Summer27Worries]

What happens to kids these days who fail their GCSE's?
It doesn't look like DC will get 4's and above in the exams next year. I know it's not the end of the world, just a bit limiting/will cause a delay on some paths.
When I did my GCSE's in 1994, it seemed like if you got C's and above, you did A-levels at 6th form and if you didn't do that well, you went to college and did a beauty or construction course there. My year group had lots who started a family early too.
What are your kids doing? And are they doing okay in themselves?

My son did terribly in his year 10 mocks, all 3’s. He went to school every Saturday for extra tutoring that his school provided for nearly a year and managed to get Six Gcse’s at level 5 including maths and English. Is this an option for your son, are the school offering extra after school/weekend classes to prepare?
My son went on to do one year at college doing an electrical course and then got himself an apprenticeship that lasted four years. He is 24 now and still works for them, he has a company van and earns easy £4000 per month. He is allowed as part of his contract to work privately at weekends and charges £100/200 per hour! Not bad considering.

That's a great outcome for your boy! You must be so pleased for him.
I'll ask the school if there is any tutoring available. I've heard that some of the very able students are offered online tutoring. Seems a funny way round to me.

They will be able to do a course plus English and maths alongside. Essentially they have 3 years of free education to 19 so even if they do a year of level 2, they can then do two years at level 3 and come away with good qualifications.

Colleges view grades under 4 very differently to not having sat them at all. Hopefully they will do better than you anticipate though.

What does he want to do next?

He needs to choose a college course and will be able to resit maths and English alongside.

You go to college and do a 1 year level 2 course with english/maths resits, followed by a 2 year level 3 course.

Or you start at level 1, then do level 2.

There are loads of courses around, especially at level 2.

My DD missed y11, the world hasn't ended.

If your child goes to college, it will be compulsory for them to re-sit GCSE Maths and English until they achieve a Grade 4 or turn 19 years old. They do this alongside their chosen course, which, depending on the college, could be anything from Beauty and Construction (like you mentioned) to Business, Art or Science. Have a look at the colleges nearby and maybe visit on an open day.

resits?

As PPs mentioned - level 1 or 2 at local college with resit of English and maths.

Make sure your DC attends every after school intervention/revision class that's going and every catch-up coursework session.
Check in the Autumn term parents' evening how far off a 4/5 they are and how they can improve, especially maths/English.
Apply to as many colleges as you can and also enquire about Functional skills level 2 alongside vocational : ask them whether you can apply for a course now if you are 💯 they'll "fail" or whether it has to be through clearing.
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I'd also ask your school for a list of revision websites. Some will need an account making but most should be accessible via school or free.
BBC Bitesize I still use a lot Educake/Seneca/Sparx are usually via school, languages online, maths genie/Corbett maths, and YouTubers like Mr Bruff. There's a lot out there. Ask for past papers from the school.
Interestingly, my DC did find YouTube videos and Instagram videos useful. They also like doing their own revision cards on Quizlet which also has its own resources on different topics.
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You need to look at further education colleges as these will offer level 2 courses.

Unlike others here, I didnt find loads around that were easy to get to. The FE college was further away and cut back there level 2 offering. However there was something suitable.

Like others have said a college course… he should be able to resit some GCSEs or do a vocational course with English and maths resit.
applications in the county I live in open in the October for the following September start, my strong advice would be to apply to college asap in October. Places here in lower level courses are so oversubscribed kids need to apply asap to secure a space. There is never enough spaces for the kids that need the courses…

have a plan a and b… you can apply to more than one college, also the local colleges here do year 10 open evenings and year 11 go look and have some plans in place early doors!

They can do a Level 2 course and study GCSE maths and English alongside. That’s a one year course and they can then progress to a Level 3 course which is the equivalent of A levels (if a two year extended diploma) or apply for an apprenticeship etc. If they struggle with learning, it’s worth talking to the college’s learning support department as they could get extra help and extra time in exams might also be helpful if they are entitled to it. Schools don’t always pick up on dyslexia etc.

In my city there is an excellent tertiary college which offers everything from IB/alevels to hospitality/hairdressing etc.
learners can enrol on a level one course and alongside this they retake English and Maths.

Having had to get my head around it as DS is not a shoo-in for four 4s next year - anxiety and ADHD means his progress isn't linear, although he managed four 4s and one 6 in 'year to go' exams this summer, including maths. But couldn't write a word in either English exam.

Anyway, the system is geared up to give people a good few chances at moving to the next stage - I think there is greater acceptance that some kids just aren't ready for GCSEs, or able to sit so many exams at once. So the level 2 qualifications and retakes mentioned above are made available.

Look at the colleges around you. They will be offering courses with low entry grades and the opportunity to do maths and English retakes.
My son was on the same path. Did a college course and oh my the transformation. Relieved of uniform and a strict environment he has relished the freedom you get at college. He's volunteered info about what he's doing for the first time in his life. He's done his homework on time and unprompted cos it's interesting. He's visibly grown in stature and confidence.
I honestly can't believe the difference.
Be the pushy mum, do the research, book the open days and watch for a spark. I had him looking at weird and wonderful stuff before he settled on his choice.
It's not doom and gloom although a year ago I felt like that.

@Summer27Worries What do they want to do?

My child left school with no GCSE’s.

They have since completed an apprenticeship alongside Maths and English.

What do they want to do after school? If they have a focus it might help motivate them. Visit some colleges, get some work experience.

Yes that does seem odd. Definitely ask the school I’m sure they will want to help him achieve his full potential, he has almost a year to go so it’s not impossible. Good luck!

Maybe that is a specific gifted and talented programme (could be Oxbridge outreach).

It's not going to be instead of interventions aimed to get students to a 4 in English and Maths. Schools are judged on those stats.

I agree motivation is key. Go and look at some colleges.