When the local 6th form college isn't what you want & there isn't much else?

[KatyMac]

What do you do?

The local college is limited in what it offers

The next town is difficult to get to (public transport non-existant, cycling a dangerous option - according to my brother who is a cycling freak & DH/me can't drive her there)

So......

Open University!!

It's brilliant. And you can fit it round your own life.

I have A LOT of qualifications (I refused to grow up before I hit 30 and this has susequently resulted in a lot of career changes as I wouldn't admit that I'd never actually make it as a rock star...) and I've completed courses with four colleges, three universities and two community learning facilities in the last six years and Open University is definitely one of the best education providers I've used in that time (as long as you get a good tutor!)

Give them a call and they will talk through your options

The local college may have limited offers but it may offer what your child wants to do? Do any of the local schools have a sixth form facility? I'm a very lucky parent as we have an outstanding sixth form college on our doorstep, but if that wasn't the case I guess it would be a case of DC having to catch the train. Often they're not at school all day or even every day & so there are always ways around the situation.

OU is a possibility - I just finished my degree with them

No local schools have 6th form - & the train station is 4 miles away down a road that shouldn't be cycled on

Thanks tho'

Oh & I found a bus - but it is a 'Flexibus' & I'm not sure how it works

Grin and bear it for a few months (ie take her) then when she is 17 she can drive herself there.
I live in a rural area and some 6th forms put on buses to the villages. DS gets a bus at 7.30 am and gets home at 5.30pm, but many times I have to run him back and forth. For example this week the college closes at 12 one day and there are no buses back.
It's a new experience and I think it would be a great shame for her to miss out just because it's inconvenient to get there.

Actually DD has a much better plan for her future - but we are having pressure to come up with a back up plan.

I work 7:30-6 Mon-Fri & her dad is poorly; but I am putting some effort into the backup plan

OU is a real possibility tbh, but she wants to audition for Performing Arts college (dance) & she need a backup plan which doesn't involve A levels (so maybe a Btech level 3 in PA or dance/drama/music?)

& She can go & board in a town 2 hours away for 3 days a week