DS taking a year out, would be two years older than his peers next Sept

[ikeepforgetting]

DS passed his GCSEs last year, then did a Level 2 course at college with a view to carrying on Level 3 this year. He's changed his mind though and wants to do A Level subjects instead. He has an EHCP so I am not worried about funding, but if he drops out now and starts Level 3 from scratch next September (as he plans to do) he will be two years older than his classmates. He turns 18 next month.

I know that this will really bug him when the time comes, even though he says he gets it. Has anyone's DC been two years late starting A levels for whatever reason? How has it gone?

I was hoping he could access adult education but he will be a month off 19 in Sept 26 so that won't be an option.

For context he will be with his sister's year group which doesn't help!

My DD with an EHCP has taken a slow route through college. Not done A levels though. Not particularly bothered by being older but does find some others a bit immature at times.

DD (16) is on a L3 course with 16-19 year olds in her year. Doesn't seem to be causing any problems so far.

Back in the dark ages, I left my first degree course, took a couple of years out and when I went back to university I was 3 years older than most of the other students. I'm not sure anyone even noticed.

Everyone I know of who wanted time out has benefitted from it. He’s telling you he’s not ready. Listen.

My DH did this long before we met and it was the best decision he could have made. He said he wasn’t bothered about the age gap.

I don’t think being older has to be a problem.

What is DS’s plan for the rest of this academic year?

Be aware, LAs often act unlawfully with trying to unlawfully cease to maintain post 16 EHCPs, so they may try to cease if he has a year out. You would be able to challenge this, but it is something you need to be aware of.

Thanks everyone for your replies. I am absolutely listening and talking to him - all of this is his decision and I do support that. My main reason for posting was to hopefully hear how others have navigated this so I can reassure him it isn't a big deal. I don't want it to end up being an issue when he would need to focus on a new course.

The LA has said that if he engaged with their NEET programme of short courses (interview technique, building a CV, applying for jobs etc) for the rest of this year they would class that as being in education so his EHCP would still stand. Will be all over that though for sure.

Also hope he will get a part time job so he can start expanding his horizons beyond his room