DS hates new secondary school

[Schoolregret]

DS13 started secondary school in September. He went to a completely different school to all his school friends who continued from the primary school to the secondary school.

DS has not settled in at all. He hates the school and has no friends to hang out with at lunch time. Prior to this DS really liked school and had a good bunch of friends.

I've tried to get him a place in the school where all his friends are but they have no spaces and said it could be the new school year in September 2026 before he might get a place.

My heart is breaking for him everyday and I'm worried about his mental health. Yesterday he just walked out of the school as he said " he couldnt take it anymore".

"Emotionally-based school non-attendance" is actually the phrase, rather than "school refuser" as a PP says. But yes, the gist is the same - you're concerned this will develop into him not being able to go to school at all for mental health reasons.

So a quick update. School rang me today and they have a place in January for my DS. My SIL works in the primary school that is the feeder school for secondary. She had a word with her principal as they are good friends and the principal knows my son very well. He in turn spoke to the secondary school principal who he is friendly with and my son has now got a spot.

Secretary rang me to go through the subjects he is currently studying and what his friends names were. I've just contacted the school he attends now to let them know he won't be back after Christmas.

This will make his Christmas.

This can’t be the state school system

If this is a state school this is highly corrupt.

If this a state school, then I call BS

Are you in the UK? This doesn't seem right

This isn't true.

It's plausible if it's a private school. They are very keen for income these days.

We don't live in the UK.