How do you go about accessing University as a mature(ish) student?

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Who only has GCSEs?

DS2 is 19yo. Left school three years ago with decent GCSEs including maths at grade 8.

He gained a good level 4 apprenticeship which he was initially enjoying, then lockdown happened and he was wfh, then his dad became terminally ill, was in a very bad way at home while DS2 was supposed to be wfh in the next room, then DH died.

DS hasn't coped, he hasn't done what he should have at work or college, is unlikely to get the qualifications he should at the end of this year, may not be kept on, but even if he is, wants to leave anyway. The company have tried to help, but DS is in a very dark place and isn't responding. Boss has suggested he takes some time off sick, which he will do.

Anyway he's asking about the possibility of going back to FT education. That would be a bad idea now, if he can't apply himself at work, it's unlikely to happen at Uni, but to give him something to work towards, what does he need to aim for?

Alevels? How do you do them as an adult? Or is there another way?

That Bristol foundation year does look good.

I did A levels at night school when I was 19, at my local FE college. I had to pay for them, but I was doing temp work during the day so I could afford it.

The first thing would be to have a serious chat with his apprenticeship provider to find out if he WILL get any qualifications from it or if there’s a way he can. If he ends up with something at Level 3 then he doesn’t need A Levels or an Access Course and could apply directly.