Has anyone child had a year off after yr11??

[RiderGirl]

DD has started a levels this year and it's not going well - she's struggling and it's just not what she expected at all. She's expressed an interest in transitioning to a t-level subject however there's no room for that this year (course is full and it's a bit late). I think she should have a breather and enrol on it for next September but wondered if anyone else has a child that's done this? She has got a little part time job that would keep her ticking over and maybe she could do an online course in the meantime. I need some reassurance!

Two separate friends of mine had children who did this, then did Level 3/A level over 3 years. Both now at university.

Another did a level 2 in floristry despite being more than capable of waaay harder stuff but it was what she needed at the time and is now finishing her level3 in a much better state mentally than she would have been.

Sorry just to add - one of the ones who effectively took y12 “off” did a little bit of a job TAing at her old junior school, and the other worked in Sainsbury’s and did a bit of grass cutting etc.

Thank you - I'm definitely leaning towards it being a good thing while she thinks what she really wants to do and it's useful to know this has been good for someone else!

Restarting is definitely a 'thing'.

And if planning to do a T-Level she could get a head start in finding a part time job or even just unpaid volunteering in a relevant business.
If old enough she could do a push on learning to drive too to get that out of the way, which could then be helpful for getting to any T-Level placement.

My DD has an EHCP and took a slow route through college including a year out in 'y14' before returning to college to do the next level up in her course.

You may lose child benefit at least temporarily however.