To think that leaving school throws up strange emotions.

[scarletmemory]

My DS has just finished his GCSEs and intends to go to college in September. He joined the school nd of Year 2 and has found it ok but struggled at times. He was elated when he finished his last exam but for the last week has been surly and a bit stroppy. I think it has hit him that life is changing?

Similar here. It’s just starting to really hit him.

Yes, totally normal.

Even if a child doesn’t particularly enjoy school it’s seen as a “safety blanket”. It’s their whole routine.

Now the real world starts with either choosing college courses, apprenticeships etc. most 16 year olds have absolutely no idea what they want to do career wise. (I still feel the same at 30!). It’s a huge leap. Add in hormones, usual teen drama (boyfriends/girlfriends etc) it’s a lot for them.