To think 21 is too old to be starting a levels

[Skyfullofstars55]

The person will be 23 by the time they finish which is five years older than the norm

My niece

YABU.

It doesn't matter why they want the Alevels, it's a fab thing to do.

Another access course here. I didn't start till I was 30. 1 year and then onto Uni.

Depending on what they want to achieve an access course might be a better option than A levels but kudos for them for doing it!

I get genuinely baffled by these posts which are very bossy about the exact timetables of other peoples' lives.

What's the purpose of the A levels? As I said if it's university entrance you're right an Access is more appropriate. They're designed for people over the age of 20 who also need study skills as well as subject knowledge. A levels are fine, but there won't be the support there and she'd have to self fund.

I'm 36 and about to start my masters in October. Never too old to learn. What a daft thread

YABVU

FFS OP isn't being critical of her niece's desire to learn, just questioning whether A level or an Access course is the most appropriate. And she's right.

I don't understand your issue here, why do you feel your niece is too old, surely it's great she's trying to get her a levels and improve her education. Not everyone does it at 17/18. What difference does it make to you if she tries to improve her life?

I feel you could be more supportive of your niece. Please don't tell her she's 'too old'.

FFS OP isn't being critical of her niece's desire to learn, just questioning whether A level or an Access course is the most appropriate

YABVU. You can do A levels at anytime.
There isn't really a norm anymore. DD3 is 25 and just finishing her degree. There are also others older than her at university

21 years old is not too old to better yourself and improve your education... in fact 50 years old isn't either! How rude

There is no "norm" anymore though is there? A levels are a very common route to university, but with uni education costing so much now, the "A levels at 18 and on to uni" model is breaking down significantly.

I work in a very traditional industry, and our graduates have been getting noticeably older, or have come via vocational routes, over the last decade or so.

I'm intending to do History and Geography A levels when I retire, but that would be for personal interest rather than career advancement. Maybe your friend is just interested in the subject matter?

She specifically asks am I being unreasonable to think 21 is too old to be starting a levels.

And the answer in most cases is yes, 21 is too old. That's why Access courses exist.

Her second post says she thinks she'd be better doing an Access course.

Do any of you actually know anything about Further Education, fees and university entrance for mature students?

Nah it's fine. One of my daughters had two people in her class doing A levels who were 19 and 20 when they started. Then they started uni at 22 and 23. No biggie.

Also, my neighbour's daughter didn't go to college cos she couldn't be bothered, and she got a job at maccies for 2 years, went travelling for 2 years then came and started her A levels at 20. Then she started uni at 24.

I keep looking at our local college and thinking I'd like to do something for me now my children are older. I'm 40 though so maybe I should just wait to die instead!

I did one last year and I'm definitely over 21.

And the award for Best Supporting Aunt goes to ....

Eh? I had a PhD by my mid twenties, did a GCSE in my early thirties and am going back to retrain (degree) this year - will be 50 when I graduate.

What does age have to do with anything. The main reason to select various routes would be funding - but you can learn something new at any age.

My mum did her GCSES at 50!

I did an access course and went to a former polytechnic to do my degree but I'm not sure if the more traditional universities prefer A levels. If she wants to do something ultra competitive like Law then A levels would be better

Surely the niece should have looked into whether A-levels or access course is going to suit her best and any funding implications?

She may have no plans beyond A-levels or need A-levels or a specific reason - company requirement or needed for a particular training opportunity. Do you know for certain she hasn't considered access courses and if not why?

My Dad did A levels at age 23ish. Went to medical school as a mature student and ended up pretty top of his field.

Not everyone has the right support early on.