18 year old only has 2 GCSEs - private exams?

[Cocacolathanks]

Hello! Posting on behalf of a friend for advice.

Son just turned 18. Due to certain life events, he only has Maths and English GCSEs. Grade C for both.

He's ready to return to education (inspired to go to university one day) but they have no idea where to start. These are the options so far:

1. Do a BTEC at college
2. Get 3 more GCSEs privately then do A-Levels at 19

To do A-Levels, he has to do 3 more subjects privately. Has anyone does this before - what board should he go for, any recommended subjects, the costs included...?

He's been offered BTEC Computing Level 3 at one college so he can do that for free and not incur extra costs, but he's keen on getting A-Levels next year.

Another issue is that if he does A-Levels, he will be over 19 so would have to pay for them as well. They can probably afford so it's not too bad if that happens.

Just looking for advice and experiences - any private students out there? He's interested in maths/computers/physics type subjects.

Thank you!

If he didn't do well as GCSE, it's likely he'll really struggle with ALevels.

He did GCSEs after only one year, having come to the U.K. from a developing country. He might well excel at A level.

@Cocacolathanks

So he has decided he WANTS to do GCSE and then A Levels.

Has anyone got advice on tutors, online schools, private organisations that would help with this? Thanks!

Strongly recommend local FE college. New to the country and our education system means he will benefit hugely from the support of teachers and face to face learning.

I'm guessing he wants A levels as they're recognised in his home country?

If it's something he wants and has the potential, some universities may accept him onto a foundation course which will give him direct entry to a 1st year....

@titchy spot on!

Basically, there’s a chance he may end up back in the developing country for university one day - POSSIBLY. That country recognises A Levels so that’s why he’s keen to stick to the traditional GCSE A Level route.

However, all the responses so far have been very enlightening so I’ve passed them on anyway.

Thank you to the kind posters who shared their own children’s success stories too - lovely to hear! I wish all your kids well