What happens if you drop out of A levels?

[Blueskydreamer]

My child is currently studying A levels in Sixth form but is struggling with depression a large part of this being due to school. He cannot face returning to school, has not desire to go to uni - basically sixth form is not for him. If he does not return to school now what happens?? no college courses start in January he will have to wait till Sept. Has anyone been in this situation? Got any advice? I'm feeling very lost with this and don't know what to do

If it is specifically school that is making your son depressed then he obviously needs to leave. I have a friend who left after O' levels and is now well respected as second in charge at a large science museum. Another went into banking and had retired by 40!

One thing I urge him to do from bitter experience of being depressed is to go straight into work, even if just until September. Lack of structure encourages depression. If he can find a job that gives satisfaction all the better. If that isn't possible then get him to volunteer for a charity on a regular basis. Being productive and feeling appreciated help fight depression massively. Good luck to both of you.

Thanks, I appreciate the advice, I'm keeping him active as much as possible and am looking into volunteer work

I would suggest contacting the Prince's trust. They seem to be very good with teenagers who don't quite fit into more traditional routes for post 16s.
I don't have direct experience myself, but they really helped a friend's son find a sense of purpose and direction.

There may be something starting in January, give local fe colleges a ring. Or he could consider an apprenticeship.

HS he thought of an apprenticeship?

As young people must now stay in education of some sort until they are 18 - He can either carry on in full time education elsewhere. Start an apprenticeship/traineeship or volunteer/work and study part time. The details are on the government's web site. Therefore look to see what he can do next September and possibly work or volunteer in the meantime. Trying to find out what career he might want would be a start and lead to what he might want to apply for. I imagine with just GCSEs, some careers will be out of reach, so he needs to be realistic.

Sadly, people leaving with just GCSEs these days rarely get stellar jobs. The better jobs usually go to graduates (there are lots and lots to choose from) or apprentices, even in banking and museums!

DS didn't want to do A-levels. Someone at the council rang & rang (rang DS, not ringing me) & kept sending leaflets thru (that were completely inappropriate for someone who could get into college, like "Go on this 4 month mechanics course & get your functional skills GCSE in English, too!"). Apprenticeships can be good if your son can commit to one year (they don't run for less time).

DS went on Prince's Trust in the end, which filled time, and did lead to him getting a (temp) PT job. Most the kids on DS's Prince's Trust course had no chance at entry to college & many had major home and personal problems; DS learnt a lot about people his age with nowhere destination lives. Half dropped out by week 8, but DS got something out of it. DS is waiting for place on another course (starts March) so couldn't do an apprenticeship.