Support from college to change college/direction

[Bustleinmyhedgerow]

Just wondering what support my ds can expect from his 6th form college to change direction to something they don't offer. DH thinks similar to work environment (probably nothing active) but I'm not so sure? Is it better for college outcomes if there's a positive change rather than a drop out? Or do they cling to bums on seats at all costs...

Really wondering if they'll help him find something else...

Bump

Not sure they would help him find something else unless it's something they offer. I'm not sure what you are looking for here? If your child wants to change colleges they are well within their rights to do so.

If there is a notice period to leave then I would give it as soon as.

Surely it would be up to you ro facilitate the move and find the appropriate course.

He's miserable there and not attending (has undiagnosed SEN and MH issues). He's not got anything else lined up, yet. It's what to do between now and finding something else.

They should be able to offer him some advice and guidance but are under no obligation to and to be honest it will probably be fairly brief. Do you have a general FE college near you where he could get some advice on courses/apprenticeships etc?

They should be offering impartial advice and guidance or at least referring him to somewhere that will.

You could try your 16-18 careers service. Or as pp suggested most FE colleges offer impartial advice and guidance by careers advisers.

Thanks both, I just wonder what the expectation will be wrt to the course he is on. If they both know he's not invested in it and wants to be somewhere else, there seems little point forcing him to continue, but I don't want him to drop out either!

A good adviser should be able to explore why it where there’s a disconnect. Sometimes it’s a particular teacher or a class. Depending on the size of the college they could be moved classes or groups. They should also explore what adjustments could help. Perhaps consider what would help; what dies the teacher need to know?
Could be a change of subject if it’s A levels.

If none of the above will
make a difference and it really is the whole course then there will be alternatives eg apprenticeships, T levels, BTEC, vocational options. Princes Trust run some good 6-12 week options to gain work experience and confidence.

Sorry for typos
“what does the teacher”

Thank you so much @Rummikub that's really helpful info. I think being open and honest is the best way, DH is thinking make him go til we've found something else, but I'm not sure that's fair as it's causing him a lot of stress and anxiety.

I would say continue to go in case it is salvageable with adjustments. But start the process next week, make sure sixth are aware. Use that week to book appointments with careers service, FE careers and the sixth form. Then you can see which options for best for your child now.

He may not get accepted elsewhere this late into term.
However he could drop out, get a part time job if able, volunteer in a charity shop or whatever whilst working on his MH and what to do next.

(NB if he drops out and stays out of education you should tell child benefit.)

Other option is to consider whether applying for an EHCP would help?

His MH needs to take priority if he’s really struggling but discuss this with his college/6th form. Being proactive and open with them will help enormously; especially if he’s not turning up. There are also online courses that may be more appropriate if attending a college is too much.