College course or A levels at 16 for future options?

[Blueartichoke]

We have a conflict in our household regarding further education!

I didn’t go to university and went to college, then retrained in my late 20’s to a completely different career but not a degree. I always feel I missed out and I’m maybe viewed as not as intelligent as I don’t have a degree, but that maybe my own insecurities and living in an area where everyone has a university education.

My DH has a degree but a career/vocation which doesn’t really depend on a degree so he thinks his degree was a waste of money. Our son is 15 and about to start GCSE’s his first choice at 16 is a college course regardless of grades as he has a very firm idea of job/vocation (I worry he will change his mind) which is the public service route, I would rather he did A levels to give him more options in two years time and more options for going onto university. His college course is the equivalent of 3 A levels so he could go onto university but I feel his choices would be more limited. He has dyslexia but he’s worked so hard no one would know unless he told them. Do I need to stop worrying and whichever route he takes will be fine (which is what DH thinks) or should we be encouraging him to aim for A levels for more options.

Our different routes through education seem to be playing a big part in our thoughts on our son’s future, but ultimately we know it is his decision. Aargh whoever said the baby/toddler years were the hardest was lying 🤣

A levels are not always the best choice tho. True, if he is aiming for competitive courses at the very popular unis (so I am thinking econ at LSE, medicine/vet med anywhere, anything at Oxford or Cambs) then he probably needs A levels and at very high grades.

But for the majority of DC aiming at the majority of uni options, Btecs or other vocational courses can certainly be a viable and valuable option. Put it this way – if he is keen on the college course then he is likely to do better there. A levels are very focused on end-of-course exams (some have an NEA but not all and it doesn't tend to count for a huge %) – would that suit DS? If he is better suited to continuous assessment and coursework then the college course may be better.

What is the course and what A levels would he take instead? What are his GCSE PGs? And what uni and course might he be targeting? You don't have to post that info here but have a look at it and see where you are.

If he wants to be a doctor or study PPE at Oxford then that's one thing and will need great GCSEs (by which I mean 8 at grade 7+) and AAA+ at A level. But if he wants to study policing at Cardiff Met then MMM in Btec will be fine.

@Blueartichoke What does he want to do? What is the public service route? Route to what? What degree might help?

Forces or Police presumably? The latter often needs a degree btw. The BTEC Extended diploma (I assume) will enable him to go to uni if he wants - maybe not RG but rest would be accessible.

The dyslexia - why do you say no one would know - I hope school are aware and will put for extra exam time for him.

Team dh!

Plenty of RG unis are happy with Btecs for certain courses now as well. I just glanced at random at Bristol, Birmingham and Sheffield and all accept Btecs, for some courses at least, though some of those need A levels in a specfic subject too.

@tichyI would call those uniformed service. Public service might mean civil service.

Thank you all for your thoughts and knowledge, its reassuring his options would still be varied with alternatives to A levels.
@titchy regarding his dyslexia the school do know he has had support through primary and secondary school and has extra time in exams I just meant he has worked so hard with extra tuition and determination.

It's great that he has a definite idea of what he wants to do. He may well change his mind, but for now it will motivate him through GCSEs. I would look at sixth form options nearer the time. However, I agree with previous posters that a BTEC (or the equivalent, if it still exists in two years time) could set him up well for work AND university, if he does change his mind.

There are several possibilities to keep his options open besides A-levels. One possibility is to combine different subject areas, e.g. one A-level and 2 AAQs (single award BTECs). Another is to choose a BTEC extended diploma or T-level in a subject area that is broadly applicable across a wide range of sectors, like Business or IT. Both fields are actually used in nearly every sector of employment (including local government, the NHS, etc. - maybe intelligence in the armed forces or maybe GCHQ? They offer degree apprenticeships as well!). I'm guessing he is currently interested in something more specific though?

Also important to remember that you can always come back to education later on. I definitely wouldn't push university if he doesn't want to go.

i think it’s great that your son has an idea of what he would like to do and an idea of how to achieve that. My DC doesnt BUT is sure that A levels aren’t for them so is choosing an extended BTEC for the next step after GCSE’s. Initially I was a bit wary as I didn’t want them to narrow their options. But I now absolutely think it’s the best choice because of the way it’s assessed. A levels are tough if you are not completely happy and very able at courses that are purely exam based. I’m confident my DC could get distinctions if they work hard at a BTEC. I’m absolutely not confident at all that they could achieve 3 A’s in A levels.

The BTEC Public Services is a Level 3 course popular with teens aiming for police etc. That’s what I assumed OP meant.