UCAS application and college reference

[notaflyingmonkey]

DS(17)ASD is currently suspended from 6th form due to behaviour problems stemming from a mental health crisis due to college not supporting his EHCP.

His UCAS form needs college to write a reference, and I am concerned about what they may write and how derogatory they may be towards him. I have asked them directly but they haven't responded. Is it like work references, or can they write what they want? If the latter, would DS be better off applying directly to UCAS rather than going via college with his application?

The college has to put his expected grades on so you can't bypass them altogether no.

They should ask his subject teachers to do a short paragraph about his ability and attitude to learning, then cobble them together to form one coherent reference. They can mention his suspension. They may also be entitled to refuse to provide references or predicted grades given he is currently excluded.

How long is the exclusion? Is there a reintegration plan? It may be wise to hold off applying until he's back and the issues hopefully dealt with.